⁵ And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.^(A)

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)

¹¹ I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one takes away your crown.

⁷ I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.^{(A) 8} From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(B)

Trial and Temptation

¹² Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord^[a] has promised to those who love him.^(A)

²⁹ For this I toil and strive with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.^(A)

⁴ In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

²⁴ “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.^(A)

¹⁰ Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.^(A)

⁹ but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower^[a] than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God^[b] he might taste death for everyone.^(A)