1 Corinthians 9:24-27

So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

1 Corinthians 9:26

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

1 Corinthians 9:25

Run to win v24

Exercise self-control v25

Set clear goals v26

Punch yourself out v27

Play by the rules

…if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

2 Timothy 2:5