Besides the traditional palm branch, the winner of an Isthmian race would also receive a wreath made from pine leaves. In contrast to this perishable wreath,
the believer who has faithfully served Christ will win an imperishable
wreath.
The image of a wreath is used in more than one place in the New Testament, to signify the final glorification of the believer (2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:11).
But as in sports, so in the Christian life, the desired prize can only be won through exercising self-control in all things.
The implication for the Corinthian believers is clear. Even if it were their right
to eat sacrificial food (1 Corinthians 8:9), they should have the self-control to renounce this right. Without such self-control, they cannot expect to inherit eternal life. This will be the great warning of 1 Corinthians 10:1–33.
25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.