24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives (A)the prize? So (B)run that you may obtain it. 25 Every (C)athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we (D)an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I (E)do not box as one (F)beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and (G)keep it under control,[a] lest after preaching to others (H)I myself should be (I)disqualified.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:27 Greek I pummel my body and make it a slave

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)

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