Bible verses for athletes mirror the Christian life. If an athlete could boil down the one specific thing that makes them successful, they would most likely say “discipline”. The Christian life also is a life of discipline. As such, there are several verses in the Bible that can be used to encourage athletes in their chosen sport.
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (KJV)
The wrestler knows that his sport is a very contact heavy struggle. Just as wrestlers grapple with their opponent on the mat, so too do Christians sometimes come face to face with spiritual enemy forces. Just as Jacob wrestled with the angel in the book of Genesis, sometimes in prayer it seems we are wrestling as we pour out our heart to God and we fighting against the spiritual wickedness around us.
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1 Corinthians 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection (KJV)
The tool of an athlete is their body and they know they must take care of it. So too in the Christian life, our bodies are the temple of God’s Holy Spirit. He has chosen to live in our bodies of clay! But with this privilege, we have a great responsibly to take care of our bodies – His temple! God gave us bodies for use to serve Him.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.(KJV)
This verse does not guarantee that all we start will finish successfully! Rather, it gives us the reassurance that what God has given us to do, He will help us accomplish. The KJV wording seems to be a bit awkward since it uses the word “which” instead of the expected “who”. What Paul was saying in this verse is that the actual knowledge of Christ giving him strength to accomplish what he has to do, that very knowledge, gives him the necessary strength.
Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (KJV)
A race is both a spectator sport and a participation sport…depending where you are and what you decide to do! This mysterious cloud of witnesses which the writer of Hebrews references seems to be composed of the Christians who have already gone to be with their Savior. It could also be angels. We don’t know for sure. What we do know it that we are being watched!
For those Christians who are alive, we are in a race. Our race is simply doing what God has called for us to do and to do it well. When you feel discouraged, think of this great cloud of witnesses and imagine them cheering for you, encouraging you. You want to look good for them!
Hebrews 12:12
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. (KJV)
Posture is so important for the runner. It is easy to slump with discouragement. But physically, straightening your body upward actually helps the runner to run better. This verse is a direct reference to the individual. By faith, they must strengthen themselves. Once they do, they can and will run the race of life much better.
1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. (KJV)
It is good to exercise. God made the body for movement. But this body is only created for this lifetime. Yet we use our bodies to accomplish spiritual rewards with will last for eternity. Take care of your body so that you can utilize it for God’s glory and service.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (KJV)
These closing words from the life Apostle Paul should be the desire of every Christian. Truly Paul finished his life well. He kept his faith. He was ready to meet his God. Let these words encourage you as well to “keep the faith”.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)
Sometimes in the Christian life, we get tired. But this verse reminds us the Lord God will help us to regain our strength. Spiritual strength must come from a spiritual Source. Even in our service to God, we need Him to help us do the tasks He gave us. He does the work but He has called us to help Him.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (KJV)
It is so easy to get tired. Discipline is not an easy task. But this encouraging verse reminds us of the outcome of our work. When tempted to give us, remember the reward is in the future reaping. We want that reward, but if we faint and give up now, we will not get it. May these Bible verses for athletes encourage those both in physical sports as well as help to strengthen Christians in their daily tasks, trials and temptations knowing that there will be an end. May we all go over the final finish line meeting our God and our Creator with victory!
