Contradiction with Matthew 23:12
1 Corinthians 9:24 encourages striving for victory, while Matthew 23:12 suggests that seeking to be exalted may result in being humbled.
Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Contradiction with Luke 18:14
The concept of running to win in 1 Corinthians 9:24 could contrast with Luke 18:14's idea of humility leading to exaltation, rather than self-assertion.
Luke 18:14: I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Contradiction with James 4:6
1 Corinthians 9:24 emphasizes competition and winning, whereas James 4:6 underscores that God favors the humble over those who strive for superiority.
James 4:6: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
This verse notes that the race is not always to the swift, which challenges the notion in 1 Corinthians 9:24 that running to win is the primary goal.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Contradiction with Matthew 20:16
The idea of the last being first in Matthew 20:16 can contradict the competitive spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:24.
Matthew 20:16: So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.