Dictionary of Bible Themes – 8110 athletics
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8110 athletics

8110 athletics

Sports 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.

The Christian life is like running a race

Ac 20:24 See also Gal 2:2; Gal 5:7; Php 2:16; 1Ti 1:18-19

Christians, like athletes, are to be single-minded

2Ti 2:4-5 See also 1Co 9:24-27

Christians, like athletes, are to persevere

Heb 12:1 See also Php 3:12-14; 1Ti 6:12; Rev 3:11

The reward at the end of the race of life

2Ti 4:7-8 See also 1Co 9:25; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 5:4; Rev 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

Ecc 9:11

See also

5178running
5280crown
5387leisure, pastimes
5498reward
8140prize
8207commitment
8459perseverance
9410heaven