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.

¹⁴ I press on^(A) toward the goal to win the prize^(B) for which God has called^(C) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run^(A) with perseverance^(B) the race marked out for us,

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^(C) the crown of righteousness,^(D) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(E)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(F)

¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(A) that I did not run^(B) or labor in vain.^(C)

²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(A) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^(B)

⁷ You were running a good race.^(A) Who cut in on you^(B) to keep you from obeying the truth?

God’s Answer