Race
“Contest, course”
Summary
The race in Scripture is a metaphor for the Christian life as a contest requiring endurance, discipline, and perseverance until the goal is reached.
☩Athletic Imagery
Paul frequently drew upon the athletic games of the Greek world to illustrate spiritual truth. He compared the Christian life to running a race in the stadium, requiring disciplined training and focused effort. The runner must strip off every hindrance and run with perseverance the race marked out for him.
☩Running to Win
Unlike the Greek games where only one received the prize, in the Christian race all who finish faithfully receive the crown. Yet this requires running 'not as uncertainly' but with purpose, pressing toward the mark. Paul ran to win, disciplining his body lest after preaching to others he himself should be disqualified.
☩Finishing the Course
The goal is not merely to start but to finish the race. Paul could say at the end, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.' The cloud of witnesses who have already finished encourage those still running to persevere.
Related Verses7 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Race," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Race," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Race," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).