1 Corinthians 9:25

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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.

Cross References

1 Corinthians 15:54

But when this [body] that can decay has been clothed with one which cannot decay, and this [body] that can die has been clothed with one which cannot die, then the Scriptural saying will be fulfilled [Isa. 25:8], “Death has been swallowed up [i.e., eliminated] by victory.” [Note: The reference here is to the time when believers will experience victory over death by being resurrected or taken directly to be with God].

Galatians 5:23

gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.

1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good battle of the faith; take hold of never ending life, to which you were called [i.e., by the Gospel. See II Thess. 2:14], [when] you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. [Note: This “confession” probably refers to a person’s acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Christ prior to his immersion. See Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9-10].

2 Timothy 2:5

And if a person competes as an athlete, he is not awarded the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Titus 1:8

[He must be] hospitable, someone who loves what is good, sensible, upright, devout and self-controlled.

Titus 2:2

Older men should be sober-minded [See note at I Tim. 3:2], dignified [i.e., respectable], sensible, sound in the faith [or, “in their faith”], in their love and in their perseverance.

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, we should be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken [i.e., the church. See Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:6, 9]. So, with reverence and awe, we should serve God in a way that pleases Him,

Hebrews 12:4

You have not yet resisted to the point of [shedding] blood in your struggle against sin.

James 1:12

The person who perseveres under trials is blessed, because when he has been approved by God, he will receive the crown of [never ending] life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

1 Peter 1:4

Through Him we have an inheritance that cannot be corrupted or contaminated, and will never disappear; it is reserved in heaven for you.

1 Peter 5:4

And when the Supreme Shepherd [i.e., Jesus] comes back, you will receive [for your effort] a glorious crown [of reward] that will never fade away [Note: The idea of “fading away” is suggested by the wilting of the laurel wreath bestowed on the winner of an athletic contest].

2 Peter 1:6

and self-control along with your knowledge, and endurance along with your self-control, and godliness along with your endurance,

Revelation 2:10

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life.

Revelation 3:11

I am coming soon [or, suddenly. See 2:16, 25; 3:3]. Hold on firmly to what you have [i.e., opportunity, obedience, steadfastness, etc.] so that no one takes away your crown [See 2:10].

Revelation 4:10

[then] the twenty-four elders fall down in front of Him who sits on His throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. And they throw their crowns in front of the throne and say,

Revelation 4:4

And around God’s throne there were twenty-four [other] thrones, with twenty-four elders sitting on them. [Note: These “elders” are generally considered to represent all the saved of both covenants. The number twenty-four is thought to be derived from the twelve patriarchs and the twelve apostles]. They were dressed in white clothing and had golden crowns on their heads.