A Competition!

Yesterday we considered Paul's analogy of the Christian as a soldier. Next Paul provided the analogy of AN ATHLETE. Noting the text again, we read. . .

"(3) Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (4) No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. (5) AN ATHLETE is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (6) It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. (7) Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything." ( 2 Timothy 2:3-7 ESV)

An ATHLETE! This is one who conditions themselves for whatever kind of competition they are involved. Regular workouts and proper nutrition are focused on to keep the body strong and ready to compete. Also, every athletic event has its rules and boundaries that must be acknowledged. Familiarity with THE RULES keeps one from risking elimination through disqualification of having broken them.

The Greek word translated "RULES" here is "nomimos", which is literally "lawfully." Sports have rules to be followed. Life has rules to provide order instead of chaos. God has rules for living the Christian life. Life without rules is lawlessness. It doesn't work.

In Paul's letter to the church at Corinth, he used an analogy from the Greek games where he wrote. . .

"(24) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (25) Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (26) So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. (27) But I DISCIPLINE MY BODY AND KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL, LEST AFTER PREACHING TO OTHERS I MYSELF SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED." ( 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)

As we engage in the Christian life, exercising self-control and paying attention to GOD'S RULES is what we also need to do. Yes, there is grace, but there are also God's commands to be taken seriously and His Sovereign Will to surrender to. As long as we are in this life, we are in the arena running the race set before us. ( Hebrews 12:1-2) May we approach the Christian life God's Way, pressing on to the finish to receive the crown of righteousness ( 2 Timothy 4:7-8) He will present.

Have a great day PREPARED TO STAY IN THE RACE TO THE FINISH!
Carl

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