26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
26 I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me!
26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
41 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
41 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
41 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.
41 For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God's goal for us, we need to be careful that we're not disqualified.
41 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
41 God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.
(Read Hebrews 4:1-10)
The privileges we have under the gospel, are greater than any had under the law of Moses, though the same gospel for substance was preached under both Testaments. There have been in all ages many unprofitable hearers; and unbelief is at the root of all unfruitfulness under the word. Faith in the hearer is the life of the word. But it is a painful consequence of partial neglect, and of a loose and wavering profession, that they often cause men to seem to come short. Let us then give diligence, that we may have a clear entrance into the kingdom of God. As God finished his work, and then rested from it, so he will cause those who believe, to finish their work, and then to enjoy their rest. It is evident, that there is a more spiritual and excellent sabbath remaining for the people of God, than that of the seventh day, or that into which Joshua led the Jews. This rest is, a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness, in the gospel state. And a rest in glory, where the people of God shall enjoy the end of their faith, and the object of all their desires. The rest, or sabbatism, which is the subject of the apostle's reasoning, and as to which he concludes that it remains to be enjoyed, is undoubtedly the heavenly rest, which remains to the people of God, and is opposed to a state of labour and trouble in this world. It is the rest they shall obtain when the Lord Jesus shall appear from heaven. But those who do not believe, shall never enter into this spiritual rest, either of grace here or glory hereafter. God has always declared man's rest to be in him, and his love to be the only real happiness of the soul; and faith in his promises, through his Son, to be the only way of entering that rest.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:26
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
The apostle compares himself to the racers and combatants in the Isthmian games, well known by the Corinthians. But in the Christian race all may run so as to obtain. There is the greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our strength, in this course. Those who ran in these games were kept to a spare diet. They used themselves to hardships. They practised the exercises. And those who pursue the interests of their souls, must combat hard with fleshly lusts. The body must not be suffered to rule. The apostle presses this advice on the Corinthians. He sets before himself and them the danger of yielding to fleshly desires, pampering the body, and its lusts and appetites. Holy fear of himself was needed to keep an apostle faithful: how much more is it needful for our preservation! Let us learn from hence humility and caution, and to watch against dangers which surround us while in the body.