²⁴ Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.^{(A) 25} Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.^{(B) 26} So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air, ²⁷ but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.^(C)

²³ May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound^[a] and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(A)

⁸ for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.^(A)