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24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we and incorruptible.26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: least that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 🙏🏻 Paul paints a picture of a race, in his time, which came before the Olympic games. And though many competed, only one was awarded the crown, made from branches of a plant. This prize would perish. Paul urges us, to run this race, our life, with Christ, our race begins and ends quickly, but all who are Christ's, will receive a crown, that will never perish. This crown is eternal life, and can be found no where, but in Christ. Those who went before us, and us that follow, all receive the same. As the athlete trains his body to compete, we must train to run in this life, keeping our eyes on Christ, following in His steps. Paul says he fights, not as a shadow boxer, but his enemies are real, and are also the enemies of Christ. So is are battle this very day, against Satan, and our flesh. Paul put his body under subjection to Christ, least when he preached Christ, someone could find corruption in him, and he be disqualified from the race, forfeiting the Prize. Amen.