Prepare for the Race

Prepare for the Race

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. -1 Corinthians 9:26


Every sport requires players to learn fundamental skills that lay the foundation for excellence. At times, the basics can be boring. Sometimes they can even be difficult to learn. But in any sport, mastering these basics is always the key to success.

Much like fundamental skills in sports, a core set of basics will guide you in living a life focused on Christ. There are three areas of basic training essential to a successful endurance run with God.

The first basic is to study God’s training manual – the Bible. Each sport has its training manual to develop excellence. For the Christ-follower, the Bible is like a rule book, playbook, and training manual rolled into one. Its inspired words come from the heart and mind of God. (1)
2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture comes from God; it is literally God-breathed. “The Holy Spirit of God used men of God to write the Word of God (2 Peter 1:20-21).” (2) The Bible is the most unique book ever written. An example is its continuity. “It was written over 1600 years, over 60 generations, by more than 40 authors, on three different continents, in different circumstances and places, in different times, different moods, in three languages, concerning scores of controversial subjects, but it speaks with one united voice.” (3) Further evidence can be found in the fulfillment of prophecy throughout Scripture. There are at least 332 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah which Jesus fulfilled completely. (4)
This verse continues by telling us the four ways we can be benefited by reading and studying the Bible. First, the Bible teaches us what is right. Secondly, it tells us what is not right. Training is the third benefit; God’s Word tells us how to get right. And the fourth is training us how to stay right. If we faithfully study the Bible and apply what we learn, we will grow in holiness. (5) When we study the Bible, obey it and let it control our life, it transforms us and makes us fit for use by God. This is the ultimate purpose of studying the Bible – to equip us to do God’s work.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word is alive and active. “The truth was revealed by Jesus, but it was also given verbally.” (6) Like a short sword or dagger, the Bible has the power “to penetrate and expose the inner heart of man.” (7) It is a “discerner” or “critic” of our deepest intents.

The Bible has power because it is God’s word. It contains piercing truth about God, life, who we really are, our mission and destiny, and the condition of our individual hearts. Its message is basically simple and yet deeply powerful. Studying the Bible may feel like studying a complicated playbook. At times, it might seem confusing and overwhelming, but it’s living and active so God can reveal new insights each time you open it. (8)

The second fundamental skill we need to master is to stay in constant communication with our coach. We do this through prayer. Whether we play a team sport or compete individually, success on the field becomes increasingly difficult without a mentor, coach, or trainer to guide us. The same is true in our lives. We need to meet personally with God through direct communication. (9)

In Matthew 6:5-15, Jesus gave us a model for communicating with God. In verses 5-6, Jesus showed that we should pray with humility. We should not pray to be seen or heard by others. Our prayers are to be directed toward God. The word “room” in verse 6 meant a storeroom where treasures were kept. “This reminds us that there are treasures waiting for us in our prayer” time with God. (10) Verses 7-8 reveal that we are to pray with a sincere heart and desire to seek God and do His will, not with a babbling of words. The model prayer Jesus gave is found in verses 9-13. It is known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus did not give this prayer to be memorized and recited. He intended for this to be a pattern for how we should pray. Jesus shows us that “the purpose of prayer is to glorify God’s name and to ask for help to accomplish His will on earth.” (11) After putting God first, then we can bring our own needs. We make better use of God’s answer if we voice our need and trust Him for His provision. “Prayer prepares us for the proper use of the answer.” (12) We are to pray for our “daily physical needs, for forgiveness, and for guidance and protection from evil.” (13) And finally, Jesus said we are to pray with a forgiving spirit toward others. “If we have truly experienced God’s forgiveness, then we will have a readiness to forgive others.” (14)

Prayer is a powerful tool that can change your life and the lives of those around you. Prayer is about sharing your heart with God and allowing Him to speak into your life. Learn to relax and be totally open with God. Learn to slow down long enough to listen for His voice. (15)

The third and final basic training essential is to be part of a winning team – a church body. As athletes, we must depend on the support of others to reach our competitive goals. A church is a supportive team focused on serving God. From the beginning, God has always put people together with different talents, abilities, life experiences, and strengths. (16)

1 Corinthians 12:12-20 shows us the importance of teamwork in the church. Each member is given
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his or her own gifts and is to use his gifts to build up, support and encourage the other members to help the body grow in the Lord. Just as the body needs different functions to live and grow, so the church needs members with different gifts. We are to exhibit an attitude of dependence on one another. Each member of the body of Christ needs the other members. No one can afford to become independent. God desires that there be no division in the church. If members compete with one another, then disunity will be the result. If members care for one another, however, then diversity can lead to unity. Each member needs to function according to God’s will and to help the others to function in their roles as well.

If you keep a daily routine of prayer and Bible reading and participate as an active member in a Bible-teaching church, you will be able to live a life focused on Christ. Just like following a basic training schedule in your athletic life, so practicing these fundamental skills will help you grow in your walk with the Lord.







(1) FCA Resources, “Mastering the Basics” (Kansas City, MO: 2010), http://fcaresources.com/bible-study/session-4-mastering-basics
(2) Warren Wiersbe, “2 Timothy 3”, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, The Complete New Testament, (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2007), pg. 782.
(3) David Guzik, “Study notes on 2 Timothy 3”, Blue Letter Bible (2001).
(4) IBID
(5) Wiersbe, p. 782
(6) Zondervan, The NIV Study Bible, study note on Hebrews 4:12.
(7) Wiersbe, “Hebrews 3:1-4:13”, p. 812
(8) FCA Resources
(9) IBID
(10) Guzik
(11) Wiersbe, “Matthew 6”, p. 22
(12) IBID
(13) IBID
(14) IBID
(15) FCA Resources
(16) IBID

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