What kind of crown are Christians not running for?
Christians are not running for a crown of leaves and vines that will die and amount to nothing. The spiritual race is run for an incorruptible crown, one that will last for all eternity. This contrast is drawn to show the eternal value of the believer's reward.
Les explains that runners in the games train temperately in food and drink to enhance body strength, but only to obtain a crown, a reward. In contrast, believers run the spiritual race not for a crown of leaves and vines that will die and amount to nothing, but for an incorruptible crown that will last for all eternity. Les points out that the runner is not to run uncertainly or shadow box, but to know the prize, which is knowing Him and the power of His resurrection. He also notes that the last verse, about keeping the body under control, has been misconstrued.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
More Questions
What crown are Christians running to obtain?
Unlike the runners' corruptible wreath, Christians are working or running to obtain an incorruptible crown.