As a physical athlete is only crowned or receives the
prize upon successfully competing
within the rules, so it also true of the spiritual athlete(II Timothy 2:5)
Paul viewed the ministry as a race with a prize as the objective(I Corinthians 9:24)
in which the focus must be EVER forward, NOT looking back at past victories and NOT being satisfied with current
accomplishments ( Philippians 3:12-14)
Physical competence in the ministry is as vital a requirement
for success as it is with an athlete competing in the Olympic games (I Corinthians 9:25)
Purposeful vigilance over physical appetites is as necessary
for a successful minister as it is for a triumphant athlete (I Corinthians 9:26-27)
The word "castaway",
i.e. literally, "disapproved" (I Corinthians 9:27) - is the exact opposite of the word "approved" (II Timothy 2:15)
Believers are enjoined to follow the SAME rule Paul followed
(having a heavenly focus rather than an earthly focus) if they are NOT to suffer destruction (i.e. loss of reward)
at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Philippians 3:15-21 cf. I Corinthians 3:13-17)
ONLY those who are "living according to grace"
and "looking for that Blessed Hope" can say with Paul that they have "kept the faith" and "fought
the good fight" and have "loved His appearing" and, therefore, are to be awarded the "crown
of righteousness" by that "Righteous Judge" (Titus 2:11-13 cf. II Timothy 4:6-8)