24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run , but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 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. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection , lest , when I have preached to others , I myself should become disqualified. 1Cor.9:24 -27
Pressing Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already attained , or am already perfected; but I press on , that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren , I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead , 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil3:12-14
Paul’s Valedictory
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering , and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight , I have finished the race , I have kept the faith. 8 Finally , there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness , which the Lord , the righteous Judge , will give to me on that Day , and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2Tim.4:6-8
David Prevails over Goliath
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone , and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine , took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him , and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead , they fled. 1Sam.17:50-51