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In verses nineteen through twenty-seven, Paul teaches some critical spiritual information. In verses nineteen to twenty-two, Paul gives several principles for ministry: (1) find common ground with people that you are in contact with; (2) avoid a know-it-all attitude; (3) make others feel accepted; (4) be sensitive to the needs and concerns of those we are ministering to; and (5) look for opportunities to tell them bout Christ. The principles are valid for us as they were for Paul. In verses twenty-four to twenty-seven, Paul emphasizes a life of strict discipline. Thus Paul stayed away from any philosophical position or material entanglement that might ensnare him, while he strictly disciplined himself to carry out God’s goal. For Paul, both freedom and discipline were important tools to be used in God’s grace.

1 Corinthians 9:19-27
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.