1 Corinthians 9:25-27

Paul Surrenders His Rights

²⁵ Every _u athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we _v an imperishable. ²⁶ So I do not run aimlessly; I _w do not box as one _x beating the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and _y keep it under control, ₁ lest after preaching to others _z I myself should be _a disqualified.

1. Cross References
   1 Timothy 6:12
   Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
   2 Timothy 2:5
   An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
   2 Timothy 4:7
   I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
   Jude 1:3
   Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
   
2. Cross References
   James 1:12
   Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
   
3. Cross References
   Hebrews 12:4
   In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
   
4. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 14:9
   So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
   
5. Cross References
   Romans 6:19
   I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
   
6. Cross References
   Song of Solomon 1:6
   Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept!
   
7. Cross References
   Jeremiah 6:30
   Rejected silver they are called, for the Lord has rejected them.
   Romans 1:28
   And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
   Hebrews 6:8
   But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.