23 Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings.

24 Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race,b but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.c 25 Now everyone who competes exercises self-controld in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown,e but we an imperishable crown. 26 So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.f