Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8100 The life of faith » 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
Acts 20:24 See also Galatians 2:2; Galatians 5:7; Philippians 2:16; 1 Timothy 1:18-19
Christians, like athletes, are to be single-minded
2 Timothy 2:4-5 See also 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Christians, like athletes, are to persevere
Hebrews 12:1 See also Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Timothy 6:12; Revelation 3:11
The reward at the end of the race of life
2 Timothy 4:7-8 See also 1 Corinthians 9:25; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 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
Ecclesiastes 9:11
See also
5178 running 5280 crown 5387 leisure, pastimes 5498 reward 8140 prize 8207 commitment 8459 perseverance 9410 heaven
