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) 27} No, I strike a blow to my body^(G) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.^(H)

⁷ I have fought the good fight,^(A) I have finished the race,^(B) I have kept the faith.

⁸ Now there is in store for me^(A) the crown of righteousness,^(B) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(C)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(D)