Sporting excellence and God’s plan for the nations

Sporting excellence and God’s plan for the nations

Sporting excellence and God’s plan for the nations

David d’Lima - FamilyVoice Australia August 2020

Appreciating a biblical theology of sport

Christian views on the value of sport arise from the Creator's interest in the goodness of the body and his pleasure in observing our astonishing physical capabilities. Those views continue as we appreciate how sporting analogies provided a compelling pattern for the early disciples, since several portions of Scripture describe the Christian life using athletic terminology. This is particularly the case in these excerpts from the Apostle Paul, whose love for athletics is clear, since sporting references are a persistent theme in his communications:

“... if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace ....” (Acts 20:24).

... if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according the rules. ... (II Timothy 2:5).

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... (II Timothy 4:7-8)...

File Name: Sporting excellence and God’s plan for the nations.pdf
File Size: 66.53 KB
Created Date: 12-03-2021