1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - The Need For Self-Discipline
24 Do you not know that [although] everyone runs in a race, only one person wins the prize? So, you should run in order to win. 25 And everyone who [strenuously] competes in athletic events exercises self-control during training. Now they do this to receive a laurel wreath that withers, but we [do it to receive] a lasting crown. 26 So, I run with a purpose and I fight that way [too]; I do not just shadow box. 27 But I work out and get my body in shape [i.e., spiritually], so that after preaching to other people, I myself do not become disqualified [i.e., for winning the prize from God. See verse 24].