Athletics
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· 3 viewsSports engaged in by athletes. Scripture uses the image of running in a race to represent the Christian life. Believers should show similar perseverance as they press on to their heavenly reward.
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Transcript
The Christian life is like running a race
The Christian life is like running a race
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
See also Php 2:16; 1 Ti 1:18–19; Ga 2:2; Ga 5:7
Christians, like athletes, are to be single-minded
Christians, like athletes, are to be single-minded
No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
See also 1 Co 9:24–27
Christians, like athletes, are to persevere
Christians, like athletes, are to persevere
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
See also Re 3:11; 1 Ti 6:12; Php 3:12–14
The reward at the end of the race of life
The reward at the end of the race of life
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
See also Jas 1:12; 1 Pe 5:4; 1 Co 9:25; Re 2:10 The “crown” referred to is the garland or wreath awarded to the winner in athletics contests.
The race is not necessarily won by the swiftest
The race is not necessarily won by the swiftest
Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.
