²⁵ All those who compete in the games use strict training. They do this so that they can win a crown. That crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a short time. But our crown will continue forever. ²⁶ So I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air. ²⁷ It is my own body that I hit. I make it my slave. I do this so that I myself will not be rejected after I have preached to others.