1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

2. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
1 Corinthians 9:26
Boxing, wrestling, javelin, discus, running with armor and shield

3. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
For we are not fighting (struggle) against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

4. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
1 Corinthians 9:25
The winner of an Olympic event was awarded an olive branch and often was received with much honour throughout Greece, especially in his home town, where he was often granted large sums of money (in Athens, 500 drachma, a small fortune) and prizes including vats of olive oil.

5. Exercise self-control v25
Run to win v24
Exercise self-control v25
Set clear goals v26
Punch yourself out v27
Play by the rules

6. …if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
2 Timothy 2:5
Every sport has rules…the refs see that the game is played fairly…you may be an arm chair quarterback and the ref may make a bad call but you can’t do anything sitting on your sofa. In life you don’t make the rules either…God never makes a bad call…

7. How many times have you seen runners trip or bump into one another and fall down…the race is over for them.