What does Paul mean when he says that he wants us “to understand what really matters?  He also says that he runs with purpose in every step.  Otherwise, his preaching may disqualify him.  He compares this to the athlete that is in training…be useful and purposeful, otherwise you can’t win the race. Why?  so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ’s return. Paul notes that we must destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. I like what someone wrote on twitter:  Only God can turn a MESS into a MESSage, a TEST into a TESTimony, a TRIal into a TRIumph, a VICTim into a VICTory. GOD is GOOD!  Resource:  JFB commentary on the bible, Alexander MacClaren bible commentary, NLT study bible