1 Cor 9:24-27 NLT 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.

1.      HE ENTERS THE RACE TO RUN & WIN – TO SECURE THE PRIZE

1 Cor 9:24 NLT 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs,

 but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!

“If you withdraw without sufficient reason you will be whipped. And this whipping comes after your training which involves thirst and broiling heat and swallowing handfuls of sand.” Epictetus 

2.      HE IS STRICT IN DISCIPLINE & TRAINING – CONTROLLING HIMSELF

1 Cor 9:25 NIV 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.

•        TRAINING is wholehearted commitment to achieve a specific result.

•        Trying never achieves consistent results. Training does.

•        TRYING is an attempt to change w/minimal commitment.

agonizomai—to contend for victory, to strain every nerve toward the goal.

1 Tim 4:7 7 Train yourself to be godly. (Didn’t say, Try godly)

3.      HE RUNS TO OBTAIN AN ICORRUPTIBLE, ETERNAL CROWN

1 Cor 9:25 NIV 25They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 

4.      HE RUNS &FIGHTS WITH CERTAINTY & WITHOUT DISTRACTION

1 Cor 9:26 NLT 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

5.      HE MASTERS HIS OWN BODY

1 Cor 9:24-27 NLT 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.

6.      HE GUARDS AGAIST DISQUALIFICATION

1 Corinthians 9:27b 27 lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.