"In the games referred to, but one was sure of the prize. In the Christian race, says the apostle: “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly.” We are not to be disappointed at the end of the race. To all those who fully comply with the conditions in God's word, and have a sense of their responsibility to preserve physical vigor and activity of body, that they may have well-balanced minds and healthy morals, the race is not uncertain. They all may gain the prize, and win and wear the crown of immortal glory that fadeth not away. 4T 35.1"
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."
EGW directly quotes and expands upon 1 Corinthians 9:24, contrasting the single prize in earthly races with the potential for all Christians to win in the spiritual race.
"The apostle Paul tells us that “we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” A cloud of witnesses are observing our Christian course. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 4T 35.2"
"For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."
EGW directly quotes 1 Corinthians 4:9 and Hebrews 12:1, using them to emphasize the idea of being a spectacle and the need to lay aside weights and sins.
"The world should be no criterion for us. It is fashionable to indulge the appetite in luxurious food and unnatural stimulus, thus strengthening the animal propensities, and crippling the growth and development of the moral faculties. There is no encouragement given to any of the sons or daughters of Adam that they may become victorious overcomers in the Christian warfare unless they decide to practice temperance in all things. If they do this they will not fight as one that beateth the air. 4T 35.3"
"I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:"
EGW directly alludes to 1 Corinthians 9:26 ('fight I, not as one that beateth the air') in the context of temperance and self-control in the Christian life.