I Corinthians 9:27
. . . So that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Paul took great pains to discipline himself for the "race," so that, even after helping others to be able to "win the prize," he himself did not want to miss out. To enter into a race, the participant has to qualify, according to the rules of the race, whether running, swimming, driving, shooting, whatever. If a participant tries to compete without following the rules, he will be disqualified from receiving any rewards at all, and probably punished for interfering with those who do qualify. It would be ironic for a trainer who prepared other athletes, to try to compete himself and be thrown out, while his students win!
We need to be sure we know the rules, and that we're following them, in the race of life. We want to be sure to qualify to compete for the rewards we are promised, and not end up being disqualified from receiving anything.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
