1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Paul Surrenders His Rights

²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? _l Run in such a way that you may ₁ obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize ₂ is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for _m an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: _n not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ _o But I discipline my body and _p bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become _q disqualified.

1. Cross References
   Galatians 2:2
   And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
   2 Timothy 4:7
   I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
   Hebrews 12:1
   Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
   
2. Cross References
   2 Timothy 4:8
   Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
   James 1:12
   Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
   1 Peter 5:4
   And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
   Revelation 2:10
   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. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
   Revelation 3:11
   Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
   
3. Cross References
   2 Timothy 2:5
   And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
   
4. Cross References
   Romans 8:13
   For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
   
5. Cross References
   Romans 6:18
   And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
   
6. Cross References
   Jeremiah 6:30
   People will call them rejected silver, Because the LORD has rejected them.
   2 Corinthians 13:5
   Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you are disqualified.