Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "competed" in the Bible often relates to the idea of striving, contending, or engaging in a struggle or race, both in a physical and spiritual sense. The Bible uses various metaphors and narratives to illustrate the nature of competition, emphasizing perseverance, faith, and the pursuit of righteousness.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, competition is often seen in the context of battles and struggles among nations and individuals. The Israelites frequently found themselves in competition with surrounding nations, as seen in the numerous battles recorded in the books of Joshua, Judges, and Samuel. These conflicts were not merely physical but also spiritual, as they often involved the struggle to remain faithful to God amidst pagan influences.
One notable example of personal competition is the account of Jacob and Esau. From birth, these twin brothers competed for their father's blessing and birthright (
Genesis 25:22-34). This narrative highlights themes of rivalry, deception, and ultimately, reconciliation.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently uses athletic metaphors to describe the Christian life, likening it to a race or competition. In
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize." Here, Paul encourages believers to exercise self-discipline and perseverance in their spiritual journey, much like an athlete competing for a prize.
Similarly, in
2 Timothy 4:7, Paul reflects on his own life, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." This passage underscores the idea of life as a competition where the ultimate goal is to remain faithful to Christ until the end.
Spiritual CompetitionThe Bible also addresses the spiritual competition between good and evil.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the ongoing spiritual battle that Christians face, urging them to put on the full armor of God to stand firm.
Moral and Ethical ImplicationsWhile the Bible acknowledges the reality of competition, it also warns against the dangers of selfish ambition and rivalry.
Philippians 2:3 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This teaching encourages believers to pursue their goals with humility and love, rather than seeking personal glory.
ConclusionThe biblical perspective on competition is multifaceted, recognizing both the necessity of striving for spiritual growth and the potential pitfalls of pride and rivalry. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of the apostles, believers are called to engage in the race of faith with perseverance, integrity, and a focus on the eternal prize.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Compete.
Greek
1408. dromos -- a course, race... 1408 (related to , "run" and 5143 , "to race") -- properly, a (track), where
foot-runners
competed in the ancient Greek games. Word
...Library
Corinth
... mystery religions. Itcompeted with them for the right of succession to the
official religion of Rome, and ultimately it triumphed. To...
Commerce
... Or, to descend a step lower"except in those crafts which might be peculiarly
theirs, could Jewish tradesmen havecompeted with those around?...
Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... Private schools and academies sprang up. [f] Harvard and Yale, as the best equipped
of the New England colleges,competed for its young men, and drew others...
The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
... He was, as we saw, no Hebrew Scholar, and had small respect either for the versions
whichcompeted with the Septuagint or for the Latin rendering of the old...
The Attractive Force of the Cross.
... His person. Our life consists in our pursuance of one object or another,
and our devotion is continuallycompeted for. When two...
An Anonymous Sermon, Commonly Called Clement's Second Letter to...
... that it is at hand and that, while many come by sea to corruptible contests, not
all win laurels, but only those who have struggled hard andcompeted well....
Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... actively manipulated. Political partiescompeted for the southern vote.
Commercial housescompeted for southern business. Religious...
The Church and the Heathen
... subjects. Already Mohammedanism and Buddhismcompeted with the Christianity
of the Nestorians for the favour of the Tartar Princes....
Rom. xiv. 25-27
... The dative to dunameno is resumed in mono sopho theo and again in the relative ho
as if the proposition begun with the dative had beencompeted....
What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and...
... to exhibit a steam engine made by himself without the aid of any European artist."
At the next meeting, when 109 malees or native gardenerscompeted at the...
Thesaurus
Competed (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Competed (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy 2:5 Also, if anyone
competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has
competed by the rules.
...Victor's (4 Occurrences)
... Victor's (4 Occurrences). 2 Timothy 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics,
he isn't crowned unless he hascompeted by the rules. (See NIV)....
Zerubbabel (25 Occurrences)
... According to Josephus and the apocryphal Book of Ezra (1 Esdras 3, 4), Zerubbabel
was a friend of Darius Hystaspis, having successfullycompeted before him in...
Prize (13 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) An honor or reward striven for in a competitive contest; anything offered
to becompeted for, or as an inducement to, or reward of, effort....
Compete (3 Occurrences)
Competition (6 Occurrences)
... are engaged in the same business and each seeking patronage; -- followed by for
before the object sought, and with before the person or thingcompeted with....
Competence (1 Occurrence)
Crowned (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless
he hascompeted by the rules. (WEB KJV DBY WBS YLT RSV)....
Competes (2 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). 2 Timothy 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't
crowned unless he hascompeted by the rules. (WEB NAS RSV NIV)....
Athletic (2 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Timothy 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned
unless he hascompeted by the rules. (Root in WEB WEY)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about competition? | GotQuestions.orgWho was John Foxe? What is Foxe's Book of Martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the twenty-four (24) elders in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgCompeted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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