Conclusion
[Previous posts in this series: First, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth.]
Many theological questions surround the notion of competition, particularly how it manifests itself within the arena of elite sport culture. Unfortunately, seldom does it seem that these questions are being honestly asked. The assumption is made that because New Testament writers explicitly use competitive sport as metaphors to further their literary and pastoral needs, this serves as an obvious endorsement of its beneficial nature.
However, as one author states:
The problem with metaphor is that although it is a marvelous tool of communication, inherent within it is also the possibility of independent application. Fairness in exegesis demands that one ‘hear’ the author’s own intent, and neither press it in directions he does not take it, nor allegorize it—the worst of all evil in this case.
Gordon D. Fee, Philippians, 434.
The goal of the current series of posts was to examine each of the New Testament instances in which athletic competition was used metaphorically, provide a better understanding of the authors’ intention in light of the context, and suggest responsible applications.
Throughout the passages examined, the New Testament authors encourage believers to live the Christian life as an athlete trains for, and competes in, the Games—with undistracted focus (1 Corinthians 9:26; Hebrews 12:1–2), militant discipline and endurance (1 Corinthians 9:25, 27; 1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:1), intentional examination of personal hindrances (Hebrews 12:1), and careful attention to the rules of the event (2 Timothy 2:5). Believers are to pursue godliness (1 Timothy 4:7), inspired by the eternal life at the finish line (1 Corinthians 9:24; 1 Timothy 4:8), knowing that it is their faithfulness that brings success (2 Timothy 4:7).
Responsible students of the Scriptures always must take care to avoid the attractive trap of eisegesis (reading into the text something otherwise foreign to it rather than reading out of the text what the Spirit placed there). Though all bring biases and presumptions to the study of the Bible, limiting the amount to which those dictate our findings, interpretations, and applications is essential.
As discussed earlier, the North American culture is one that largely has made up its mind on the usefulness of athletic competition for the development of necessary life skills. This, at times, spills over into the church and feeds the belief that athletic competition teaches and affirms “believer traits” that complement the process of believer sanctification. This concept is largely supported by its proponents through the use of the passages examined in this series. But do they indeed support this idea, or is it an example of reading predetermined ideas into the text? As it has been shown, these passages exhort believers to implement traits seen in athletes into the Christian life. To state that the Bible supports athletic endeavors or encourages participation in competitive sport is to make claims Scripture does not. The exhortations are never to become athletes in order to live a better Christian life.
In summation, the New Testament clearly exhorts believers to observe specific qualities that are found in competitive athletes. Christians are to live a life marked my discipline, focus, and intentionality, braving the inevitable struggles that afflict them.
Josiah has served the Oakridge Bible Chapel family as one of its elders and one of its pastoral staff members since September 2018, before which he ministered as an associate pastor to a local congregation in the Canadian prairies. Josiah's desire is to be used by God to help equip the church for ministry, both while gathered (edification) and while scattered (evangelization). He is married to Patricia, and together they have five children—Jonah, Henry, Nathaniel, Josephine, and Benjamin.
