1Cor 9:24-26 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Cor 9:24-27: 9:24-27 To illustrate how seriously the Corinthians must take the discipline of their salvation, Paul alludes to the familiar Isthmian games, an athletic competition held every two years in Corinth. • All athletes are disciplined: Strict self-discipline is required for athletes competing for a prize. In Paul’s day, athletes endured months of rigorous training before competing. In the same way, strict self-discipline (cp. Gal 5:22-23 ) is required if a person is to gain the eternal prize of salvation. Christians must submit to the daily discipline of obeying Christ. • a prize that will fade away: Athletic prizes were often wreaths made out of laurel leaves (cp. 2 Tim 4:8 ; Jas 1:12 ; 1 Pet 5:4 ; Rev 2:10 ).

a9:24-27►

bGal 5:22-23►

c2 Tim 4:8►

dJas 1:12►

e1 Pet 5:4►

fRev 2:10►

‏ 1 Corinthians 9:24-26

Summary for 1Cor 9:24-27: 9:24-27 ^a To illustrate how seriously the Corinthians must take the discipline of their salvation, Paul alludes to the familiar Isthmian games, an athletic competition held every two years in Corinth.

• All athletes are disciplined: Strict self-discipline is required for athletes competing for a prize. In Paul’s day, athletes endured months of rigorous training before competing. In the same way, strict self-discipline (cp. Gal 5:22-23 ^b) is required if a person is to gain the eternal prize of salvation. Christians must submit to the daily discipline of obeying Christ.

• a prize that will fade away: Athletic prizes were often wreaths made out of laurel leaves (cp. 2 Tim 4:8 ^c; Jas 1:12 ^d; 1 Pet 5:4 ^e; Rev 2:10 ^f).
9:26 ^g I am not just shadowboxing: Christians must engage in the real contest of obedience to Christ rather than merely going through the motions.