Note 14 at 1 Cor. 9:26: Paul had reasoned in many ways with the Corinthians about deferring to their weaker brothers in this matter of eating food which had been sacrificed to idols (see note 1 at 1 Cor. 9:1, p. 903). He now uses and the receiving of a crown or prize to inspire them. He is saying that there will be a reward for those who deny themselves for the sake of others.

How many people deny themselves all kinds of luxuries so that they can win a trophy or award, yet few deny themselves much so they can receive a reward from the Lord (see ref. e at v. 17). Eternal spiritual things are infinitely more important than temporary physical awards.

Note 15 at 1 Cor. 9:26: Fritz Rienecker, in his Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament, translated this phrase this way, "I do not run as one who has no fixed and certain goal." Paul was very focused in his life, much more than any athlete who was only competing for a corruptible prize. Paul knew God's purpose for his life and he had definite goals. He was running to win. He was looking for that knock-out punch.