Why has 1 Corinthians 9:27 been misconstrued according to Les?
1 Corinthians 9:27 has been misconstrued because of the King James term "I keep under my body." The intended meaning is that he keeps everything under control as part of spiritual training for the race to win an incorruptible crown.
Les explains that the last verse of 1 Corinthians 9 has been so misconstrued because of the term in the King James Version, "I keep under my body." He connects it to the preceding illustration of runners who train temperately in all their intake, food, and drink to enhance body strength, yet they run for a crown of leaves and vines that will die. Believers, by contrast, run the spiritual race for an incorruptible crown that lasts for eternity. Paul says he runs not uncertainly, not shadow boxing or beating the air, but trains himself spiritually to win the prize. So "I keep under my body" means keeping everything under control.
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.