The concept of "Games of the Christian Life" draws upon the metaphorical language found in the New Testament, where the Christian journey is often likened to athletic contests or races. This imagery serves to illustrate the discipline, perseverance, and focus required in the life of a believer. The Apostle Paul, in particular, frequently employs this metaphor to convey spiritual truths and exhortations.

Running the Race

One of the most prominent metaphors is that of running a race. 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, the Christian life is depicted as a race where believers are encouraged to run with purpose and discipline. The emphasis is on self-control and the pursuit of an imperishable crown, contrasting with the temporary rewards of earthly competitions.

Similarly, in Hebrews 12:1-2, believers are urged to "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." The passage highlights the need for perseverance and the importance of fixing one's eyes on Jesus, the "author and perfecter of our faith."

Fighting the Good Fight

Another athletic metaphor used by Paul is that of a fight. In 1 Timothy 6:12, he exhorts Timothy to "fight the good fight of the faith." This imagery suggests a struggle against spiritual adversaries and the need for steadfastness in the face of opposition. The Christian life is portrayed as a battle requiring courage, strength, and the armor of God, as detailed in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Striving for the Prize

Philippians 3:13-14 further develops the theme of striving for a goal: "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken 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." This passage emphasizes the forward-looking nature of the Christian life, encouraging believers to focus on their ultimate calling and reward in Christ.

Training and Discipline

The metaphor of athletic training is also present in the New Testament. In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul advises, "Train yourself for godliness. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." This comparison underscores the importance of spiritual discipline and the eternal benefits of cultivating godliness.

Victory and Reward

The ultimate victory and reward for believers are assured through Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul reflects on his own life, stating, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." This assurance of victory serves as an encouragement for believers to remain faithful and diligent in their spiritual journey.

In summary, the metaphor of games and athletic contests in the Christian life serves as a powerful tool to communicate the virtues of discipline, perseverance, and focus. These passages encourage believers to pursue their spiritual goals with the same dedication and commitment as an athlete competing for a prize, always keeping their eyes on the eternal rewards promised by God.1 Corinthians 9:24,26
Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.
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Galatians 5:7
You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?
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Philippians 2:16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.
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Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
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Hebrews 12:1
Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
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The Same when at Rome, Being Led by Others into the Amphitheatre ...
... witness a scene characteristic of the popular life of old ... till morning brings the
hope of games and merry ... they were not admitted into the Christian capital he ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter viii the same when at.htm

How the victor Runs
... It is very remarkable that Paul should pick out these Grecian games as containing
for ... us as we pass them, we shall not make much advance in the Christian life. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/how the victor runs.htm

Of the Kind of Happiness and Life Truly Delighted in by those who ...
... 20."Of the Kind of Happiness and Life Truly Delighted ... by Those Who Inveigh Against
the Christian Religion ... they wish; let them demand whatever games they please ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 20 of the kind of.htm

An Anonymous Sermon, Commonly Called Clement's Second Letter to ...
... In ch.7 the preacher compares the Christian life to the Greek games, and even mentions
the fact that the athletes "come by sea" to participate (ch.7:1). Is ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/an anonymous sermon commonly called.htm

The First Games
... took up again his little boy's life, divided between ... as he took pride in his successes
at games. ... He never pardoned"save as a Christian"his schoolmasters ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the first games.htm

1 Corinthians xiii. 11
... of you, probably, well know that there are games from which ... of change from childhood
to a Christian manhood, the ... our faculties; it can but make life at every ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture iii 1 corinthians xiii.htm

'Concerning the Crown'
... pine-shoots or olive branches for the victors in the games; while the ... bearing as
not thereby to be injured in Christian character and growth in Christian life. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/concerning the crown.htm

Whether There Can be a virtue About Games?
... iv, 8) that "in the intercourse of this life there is a kind of rest that is associated
with games": and consequently it is sometimes necessary to make use of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be a.htm

The Teen Boy and Missions
... dandy stunt?" The reply was, "Oh, that's one of the games that the ... It is altogether
too bad that the play-life of the adolescent in non-christian lands is ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xvi the teen boy and.htm

Eligius, Bishop of Noyon.
... At the peril of his life, and amidst many contumelies ... and hatred of the heathen by
his Christian love and ... no man shall deprive us of our old games, which afford ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/eligius bishop of noyon.htm

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