1 Corinthians 9:26

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

So, I run with a purpose and I fight that way [too]; I do not just shadow box.

Cross References

Matthew 11:12

And from the days of John the Immerser the kingdom of heaven is experiencing turmoil, for violent men are [trying to] take control of it [by bringing it into existence] forcibly [i.e., before its appointed time. See Acts 1:6- 7].

Luke 13:24

“You should try hard to enter [God’s kingdom] by means of the narrow door, for I tell you, many people will try to enter it but will not be able to.

1 Corinthians 14:9

So, unless you people also speak clearly with your tongue, how will your speaking be understood? For it will be as though you were speaking into the air.

2 Corinthians 5:1

For we know that if our earthly “house” [i.e., our physical body] which is like a tent, is torn down, we have [the promise of] a building from God, a never ending “house” in heaven that is not made by human hands.

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are encouraged, I say, and would rather be away from our body and at home with the Lord.

Galatians 2:2

[It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [i.e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain.

Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not [actually] against human beings, but against rulers and authorities and leaders of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [Note: “Heavenly realms” here refers to the struggle against Satanic powers which permeates life around us].

Philippians 1:21

For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain.

Colossians 1:29

This is the reason that I work hard and struggle also, using God’s mighty power which is at work in me.

2 Timothy 1:12

For I am suffering these things [See verse 8] for this reason [i.e., because of being a Gospel preacher]. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed in [i.e., Jesus], and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him [i.e., Paul’s spiritual well-being] until that day [i.e., the Day of Judgment].

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.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment].

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a large crowd of spectators [Note: Christians are pictured here as being in a crowded arena, performing in the games], we should lay aside every [excessive] weight and sin that so easily entangles us, and with perseverance, we should run the race [of life] that lies before us.

Hebrews 4:1

So, as long as God’s promise of entering into a state of rest with Him [still] remains, we should fear that someone among you will appear [in the end] to have fallen short of [attaining] it. [Note: In this section “entering into rest” refers to Israel entering Canaan (verses 6, 8) and to Christians entering heaven (verses 3, 9) . The “Sabbath day rest” is presented as a type of both].

1 Peter 5:1

So, the elders in the various places where you live, are to receive the following exhortation. (I too, am an elder and have witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and am also assured of partaking of the glorious [salvation, 1:5] that will someday be revealed).

2 Peter 1:10

So, brothers, be diligent to make sure of your calling and election [i.e., of your status as being selected by God], for when you do, you will never stumble [and fall away from God].