Isn’t that the way the Christian life seems at times? You’re constantly fighting battles, resisting temptations, and trying your hardest to serve the Lord. In this passage, the Apostle Paul lists two different sports illustrations to illustrate this very important point: running and fighting. Jesus never said being a Christian would be a walk in the park-but there are ample amounts of illustrations that talk about fighting, running, enduring, and engaging in warfare. Just as it’s difficult for a fighter to continue fighting after many rounds, it’s difficult for a Christian to stay faithful and committed until his very last breath-yet it’s so crucial! And, just like it’s hard for a person to finish a long race, it’s hard for the Christian to continue on in faith after so many years. In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul tells Timothy that he has “fought the good fight” and has “finished the race.” This is what all Christians strive for, isn’t it? Yet, it’s one of the hardest things to do. In essence, Paul is saying that exercising with your body is great, but exercising your spirit is far greater. It’s a contrast, but one that says that the second thing (godliness) is far better. 1 Timothy 4:8 claims that “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things…” Now, don’t take this as the Bible saying not to exercise.
It’s not very often that I would say this, but I don’t think you need the Bible to tell you this one! However, it does anyway! But, once again, it is to showcase a spiritual truth. He cannot slack off, because that would lead to him getting beat quite easily. Every athlete needs a strict diet and exercise plan in order to succeed to the best of his abilities. Here, he speaks of the self-control that athletes need in order to obtain their prize. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” Like he does so often, Paul uses a sports illustration in order to illuminate a spiritual truth. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, the Apostle Paul writes: “and everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. What the Bible says here holds true: an athlete is not crowned and given praise unless they win while competing by the rules of their specific sport. Today, there are an unfortunate amount of cheaters, but they are the same people that often get ousted from their sport and shunned by the public. 2 Timothy 2:5 says: “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” Sports have always had rules, otherwise it would be nothing more than chaos without a winner. Even the Bible notes that Athletes cannot win unless they abide by the rules of their sport.
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