Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of athleticism, while not explicitly detailed in the Bible, is present through various metaphors and examples that illustrate spiritual truths using the imagery of physical discipline and competition. The Apostle Paul, in particular, frequently employs athletic metaphors to convey the rigors and dedication required in the Christian life.
Biblical References:1.
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. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Here, Paul likens the Christian journey to a race, emphasizing the need for self-control and purpose.
2.
2 Timothy 2:5 : "Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules." This verse underscores the importance of adhering to divine principles and the moral law, much like an athlete must follow the rules of the sport to win the prize.
3.
Hebrews 12:1-2 : "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." The imagery of a race is used to encourage believers to persevere in their faith journey, focusing on Jesus as the ultimate example.
4.
Philippians 3:13-14 : "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Paul describes his spiritual pursuit as a race, highlighting the forward momentum and focus required to achieve the heavenly reward.
Theological Implications:The use of athletic metaphors in Scripture serves to illustrate the discipline, perseverance, and focus required in the Christian life. Just as athletes train their bodies and minds to achieve physical goals, Christians are called to spiritual discipline and growth. This involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the community of believers, akin to an athlete's training regimen.
Moreover, the concept of striving for an imperishable crown (
1 Corinthians 9:25) points to the eternal rewards promised to those who faithfully follow Christ. The athletic imagery also emphasizes the importance of self-control and adherence to God's commandments, as seen in
2 Timothy 2:5.
Cultural Context:In the Greco-Roman world, athletic competitions such as the Olympic Games were highly esteemed, and athletes were celebrated for their physical prowess and dedication. Paul's audience would have been familiar with these events, making his metaphors particularly resonant. The rigorous training and discipline required of athletes served as a powerful analogy for the spiritual dedication expected of believers.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to adopt the mindset of an athlete in their spiritual lives, striving for excellence and enduring hardships with the goal of achieving spiritual maturity and eternal life. This involves setting aside distractions and sins that hinder spiritual progress, much like an athlete shedding unnecessary weight to run more efficiently (
Hebrews 12:1).
In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly focus on athleticism as a physical pursuit, it uses the concept to teach valuable lessons about spiritual discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of eternal rewards.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Of or pertaining to athletes or to the exercises practiced by them; as, athletic games or sports.
2. (a.) Befitting an athlete; strong; muscular; robust; vigorous; as, athletic Celts.
Greek
73. agon -- a gathering, contest, struggle... struggle. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: agon Phonetic Spelling:
(ag-one') Short Definition: a contest Definition: an (
athletic) contest; hence
...75. agonizomai -- to contend for a prize, struggle
... agonizomai Phonetic Spelling: (ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I strive, contend
Definition: I am struggling, striving (as in anathletic contest or...
4735. stephanos -- that which surrounds, ie a crown
... 4735 -- properly, a wreath (garland), awarded to a victor in the ancientathletic
games (like the Greek Olympics); the crown of (versus 1238 , "a crown")....
119. athlesis -- a contest
... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: athlesis Phonetic Spelling: (ath'-lay-sis) Short
Definition: a contest Definition: a struggling (as in anathletic contest)....
118. athleo -- to contend, wrestle
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: athleo Phonetic Spelling: (ath-leh'-o) Short
Definition: I compete Definition: I engage, compete, in an (athletic) contest...
Library
Spiritual Athletics
... you are in good spiritual condition, ready for the strain and effort which life
is sure to demand." We are often told in our day that theathletic ideal is...
The Crown of Life
... exercise? It is notathletic prizes, orathletic glory; it is strength.... strength.
The crown ofathletic life is increase ofathletic vitality....
'Concerning the Crown'
... One of the most famous of the Greekathletic festivals was held close by Corinth.
Its prize was a pine-wreath from the neighbouring sacred grove....
The Battle of Thermopylae.
... The Spartans were engaged, some of them inathletic sports and gymnastic exercises,
and the rest in nicely arranging their dress, which was red and showy in...
Under Ban of the Ritual
... The cut of the mouth and the warmth of its color gave seriousness, sensitiveness
and youthful tenderness to the face. Egypt was seldomathletic....
The Organized Sunday School Bible Class
... Article VI"Committees. There shall be as many committees in the class as necessary,
such as Social, Literary, Music,Athletic, etc. Article VII"Meetings....
The Trinity.
... There is a strong man"health bursting, as it were, at every pore, with anathletic
body; but coarse, and rude, and intellectually weak"almost an animal....
Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age
...Athletic grounds were secured together with a field-house, and Christ Church teams
won an enviable reputation for high standards of sportsmanship....
Blessed Adversity.
... rather see from the Word of GOD that He is like a glad father, delighting to be
able to encourage a strong healthy son to undertake someathletic feat which...
Change not Always Improvement.
... Asiatic practice! What hast thou, Libya, and thou, Europe, to do withathletic
refinements, which thou knowest not how to dress? For...
Thesaurus
Athletic (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to athletes or to the exercises
practiced by them; as,
athletic games or sports.
...Athletic (2 Occurrences).
...Athlete (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Athlete (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 9:25 But every
competitor in anathletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions....
Contest (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Contest (7 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 9:25 But every
competitor in anathletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions....
Agony (20 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Pain so extreme as to cause writhing or contortions of the body, similar
to those made in theathletic contests in Greece; and hence, extreme pain of...
Athletics (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The art of training byathletic exercises; the games
and sports of athletes. Multi-Version Concordance Athletics (1 Occurrence)....
Greece (15 Occurrences)
... At Delphi his prophetic powers won great renown, but the Pythian games with their
contests in music, in rhythmic dancing, and inathletic sports were hardly...
Ancient (64 Occurrences)
... At Delphi his prophetic powers won great renown, but the Pythian games with their
contests in music, in rhythmic dancing, and inathletic sports were hardly...
Obeys (17 Occurrences)
... breaker? (WEY NIV). 2 Timothy 2:5 And if any one takes part in anathletic
contest, he gets no prize unless he obeys the rules. (WEY)....
Gymnasium
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A place or building whereathletic exercises
are performed; a school for gymnastics. 2. (n.) A...
Wreath (21 Occurrences)
... man." (WEY). 1 Corinthians 9:25 But every competitor in anathletic contest
practices abstemiousness in all directions. They indeed...
Resources
How should a Christian view sports / athletics? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about extreme fighting / violent sports? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about steroids? | GotQuestions.orgAthletic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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