¹⁶ So then, it does not depend on the person who ^[a]wants it nor the one who ^[b](A)runs, but on ^(B)God who has mercy.

^24 (A)Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives ^(B)the prize? ^(C)Run in such a way that you may win. ²⁵ Everyone who ^(D)competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable ^(E)wreath, but we an imperishable. ²⁶ Therefore I ^(F)run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as ^[a]to avoid ^(G)hitting air; ²⁷ but I strictly discipline ^(H)my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

⁷ You were ^(A)running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

¹⁶ holding firmly the word of life, so that on ^(A)the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not ^(B)run in vain nor ^(C)labor in vain.

^7 (A)I have fought the good fight, I have finished ^(B)the course, I have kept ^(C)the faith;

Jesus, the Example

12 Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s ^(A)rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s ^(B)run with ^(C)endurance the race that is set before us,