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.
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
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.
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| Photo Credit |
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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