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24 Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win. 25 Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.

26 So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air.

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The Need for Self-Discipline

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?(A) Run(B) 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(C) that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.(D) 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;(E) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.(F)

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Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner[a] unless he competes according to the rules.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 2:5 tn Grk “will not be crowned,” speaking of the wreath awarded to the victor.
  2. 2 Timothy 2:5 sn According to the rules (Grk “lawfully, by law”) referring to the rules of competition. In the ancient world these included requirements for training as well as rules for the competition itself.

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(A) except by competing according to the rules.

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