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17 If I were volunteering my services of my own free will, then the Lord would give me a special reward; but that is not the situation, for God has picked me out and given me this sacred trust, and I have no choice. 18 Under this circumstance, what is my pay? It is the special joy I get from preaching the Good News without expense to anyone, never demanding my rights.

19 And this has a real advantage: I am not bound to obey anyone just because he pays my salary; yet I have freely and happily become a servant of any and all so that I can win them to Christ.

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17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;(A) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.(B) 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,(C) and so not make full use of my rights(D) as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am free(E) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,(F) to win as many as possible.(G)

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