⁵ And also ^(A)if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

Striving for a Crown

²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? ^(A)Run in such a way that you may ^[a]obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize ^[b]is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for ^(B)an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: ^(C)not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ^27 (D)But I discipline my body and ^(E)bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become ^(F)disqualified.

^11 [a]Behold, ^(A)I am coming quickly! ^(B)Hold fast what you have, that no one may take ^(C)your crown.

^7 (A)I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Finally, there is laid up for me ^(B)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous ^(C)Judge, will give to me ^(D)on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Loving God Under Trials

^12 (A)Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive ^(B)the crown of life ^(C)which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

²⁹ To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me ^(A)mightily.

^4 (A)You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

^24 (A)“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for ^(B)many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

^10 (A)Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. ^(B)Be faithful until death, and I will give you ^(C)the crown of life.