The 2022 Winter Olympics have just ended as I write this. I usually don’t follow sports, but I have always watched the Olympic Games. I admire the dedication of Olympic athletes. It takes hundreds of hours of training over years to reach the level needed for the competition.

I find it interesting that Paul uses several athletic metaphors in his letters. Running a race is his most common metaphor (Philippians 2:26; Galatians 2:2 & 5:7;), but boxing also appears once (1 Corinthians 9:26).  At first I found this a little strange. Doesn’t Paul believe in justification by faith? Doesn’t talking about winning a race sound like you have to work hard like an athlete in order to win the prize (1 Corinthians 9:25)? Isn’t that the opposite of justification by faith?

Turns out Paul uses athletic metaphors in an odd way. Three times they are about him preaching the Gospel. He hopes to share the good news with the intensity of an athlete pursing a victory. Twice the metaphors are about perseverance, not giving up the faith. One of his concerns is that going back to the law is like running poorly in a race.

Paul doesn’t undermine his confidence in justification by faith by using athletic metaphors. What he wants is for people to hold to the faith in Jesus Christ that he holds and shared with him.

The same message comes to us. You believe in the Good News of Christ. Don’t give up.  Keep on going. The goal is in sight and you are assured of winning the prize.

Read 2 Timothy 4:5-8 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne