BIG IDEA: If you are going to exercise self-government like God has commanded in Scripture it will look like a grueling race, intense athletic training, a boxing match, and slave-driving.

If you are going to exercise the self-government commanded by God in scripture:

I. You must strive hard, exerting yourself (v. 24)
II. You must be intentionally self-controlled (v. 25)
III. You must not run uncertainly or aimlessly (v. 26a)
IV. You must really fight, not play at it (v. 26b)
V. You must buffet your body and make it your slave (v. 27a)
VI. You must preach this and you must practice what you preach (v. 27b)