1 Corinthians 9:25

WEB

²⁵Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

KJV

²⁵And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

BSB

²⁵Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.

FBV

²⁵Every competitor who participates in the games maintains a strict training discipline. Of course they do so to win a crown that doesn't last. But our crowns will last forever!

Related Resources

How Do I ‘Wrestle’ in Prayer? - Desiring God
Is There a Place for Asceticism in the Christian Life? - Desiring God

Extra References

2 Timothy 2:5

⁵Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

¹⁰Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.

1 Timothy 6:12

¹²Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

⁷I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. ⁸From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

James 1:12

¹²Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him.

Revelation 3:11

¹¹I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.

2 Peter 1:6

⁶and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness;

1 Peter 5:4

⁴When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.

1 Peter 1:4

⁴to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,

Ephesians 6:12-18

¹²For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, ¹⁶above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word^[+] of God; ¹⁸with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.