Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner ¹  unless he competes according to the rules. ² 

The Lord answered, ¹  “If you have raced on foot against men and they have worn you out, how will you be able to compete with horses? And if you feel secure only ²  in safe and open country, ³  how will you manage in the thick undergrowth along the Jordan River? ⁴ 

Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win.

Not that we are adequate ¹  in ourselves to consider anything as if it were coming from ourselves, but our adequacy ²  is from God,

Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you not competent to settle trivial suits?

Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.

who made us adequate ¹  to be servants of a new covenant ²  not based on the letter but on the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

And entrust what you heard me say ¹  in the presence of many others as witnesses ²  to faithful people ³  who will be competent ⁴  to teach others as well.

Does it make you any more of a king that you outstrip everyone else in ¹  building with cedar? Just think about your father. He was content that he had food and drink. ²  He did what was just and right. ³  So things went well with him.

“The ¹  experts in the law ²  and the Pharisees ³  sit on Moses’ seat.

Abner said to Joab, “Let the soldiers get up and fight ¹  before us.” Joab said, “So be it!” ² 

But I myself am fully convinced about you, my brothers and sisters, ¹  that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another.

young men in whom there was no physical defect and who were handsome, ¹  well versed in all kinds of wisdom, well educated ²  and having keen insight, ³  and who were capable ⁴  of entering the king’s royal service ⁵  – and to teach them the literature and language ⁶  of the Babylonians. ⁷ 

The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for boils were on the magicians and on all the Egyptians.

I will build a great temple, for our God is greater than all gods.

“‘See how each of the princes of Israel living within you has used his authority to shed blood. ¹ 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children ¹  of God.

Let us not become conceited, ¹  provoking ²  one another, being jealous ³  of one another.

that the person dedicated to God ¹  may be capable ²  and equipped for every good work.

I have competed well; ¹  I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!