1. The objective of the Christian race
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (ESV)
2. The discipline of the Christian race
25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things . . . 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, . . . 1 Corinthians 9:25; 27 (ESV)
3. The reward of the Christian race
25 . . . They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 1 Corinthians 9:25 (ESV)
4. The focus of the Christian race
26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 1 Corinthians 9:26 (ESV)
5. The disqualification of the Christian race
27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)
10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10 (ESV)
11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (ESV)
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)