The Apostle Paul – An Avid Watcher of Sports Events

Paul often referred to sporting events and athletes to inspire Christians to give their best and play by the rules.  In the same way an athlete has to follow the rules of the game, so we as Christians need to follow the rules of the Word of God in our Christian life. 

Paul said…

“Fight the good fight of faith.”  I Timothy 6:12

“Run with patience the race that is set before us”  Hebrews 12:2

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood”  Ephesians 6:12

“I…fight not as one that beateth the air.”  I Corinthians 9:27

Paul’s inspired epistles are peppered with references to the Greek sporting games.  His familiarity with these sports analogies shows us that Paul, no doubt, attended these sporting events as a spectator. Just as Jesus used the familiar sights of his listeners to teach spiritual truth, so did the apostle Paul.

Spiritual Lessons from the Sports World

The Athlete’s Discipline, I Corinthians 9:27a

The Athlete’s Purpose, Hebrews 12:1-3

The Athlete’s Passion, Philippians 3:13

The Athlete’s Commitment to Follow the Rules, I Corinthians 9:27b

The Athlete’s Goal, Philippians 3:14

Spiritual Lessons from the Super Bowl Champions

1.  Give praise to God in victory or defeat.

“All glory to God.  Thank you, Jesus.”  Coach Nick Sirianni

   “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus”  Ephesians 3:21

2.  As believers we are more effective when we work together as a team.

“What a lesson to the entire world what good teamwork does.  We have selfless guys who don’t want to let each other down.”  Coach Nick Sirianni

   “The church is one body.”  I Corinthians 12:12

   “Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.”  Philippians 1:27

3.  Love for each other makes us stronger.  

“They love each other.  Love is a strong thing and it takes a lot of work to develop that.” Nick Sirianna

   “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  Philippians 2:2

4.  Set aside petty squabbles and forgiveness must rule the day for us to win.

“Me and Jalen are good.”  A.J. Brown following some “locker room drama.”

   “That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.”  I Corinthians 12:25

5.  Walk in humility by acknowledging the success of others. 

“God is good.  He is with us in the highs and lows.  I couldn’t be here without my teammates.”  MVP Jaelen Hurts

   “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace was bestowed upon me.”  I Corinthians 15:10