The Olympic Spirit
The earliest precise record of the ancient Olympic Games dates back to 776 BC. They ended in 393 AD. The Apostle Paul was not only aware of the games, he used them as an illustration. He described the Olympic spirit that it takes to win a gold medal.
In 1 Corinthians 8-10, Paul discusses Christians eating meat offered to an idol. He says there is nothing wrong with it, because an idol is nothing, but not every one is knowledgeable. So the stronger must be careful not to hurt the weaker brother, who is not as knowledgeable. That takes self-denial. So, Paul launches into a lengthy elaboration of giving up one’s rights. He applies that to more than just eating meat offered to idols (1 Cor. 9:19-23). He ends with an illustration from the games.
Paul writes, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Cor 9:24-26).
Paul’s point is that believers ought to run the race of life so as to win the prize. Eternal life is a gift (Rom. 6:23) received simply by trusting Jesus Christ (Jn, 3:16). All who trust Christ will be judged, not to determine their eternal destiny, but their eternal reward (1 Cor. 3:11-15). If we live a loving life, we will be rewarded in heaven (1 Jn. 4:17-18), but that takes discipline, which is Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 9.
Paul adds they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. In the Olympic Games, the crown was made of olive leaves. If they put themselves through such strenuous self-denial for such temporary, fleeting rewards, how much more should we practice self-discipline for an incorruptible crown (1 Tim. 4:7-8).
The “Olympic Spirit” is not to watch; it is to work. It is not to be a spectator; it is to be a participator. It is not to play; it is to persist. In this passage, Paul puts all the emphasis on human effort. In other passages, he stresses God’s grace and power.
In the 1992 Summer Olympics, American sprinter Gail Devers, the clear leader in the 100 meter hurdles, tripped over the last barrier. She agonizingly pulled herself to her knees and crawled the last five meters, finishing fifth—but finishing. In the 400 meter semi-final, British runner Derek Redmond tore a hamstring and fell to the track. He struggled to his feet and began to hobble, determined to complete the race. His father ran from the stands to help him off the track, but the athlete refused to quit. He leaned on his father, and the two limped to the finish line together, to deafening applause.
Here is the tragedy: 87% of Americans who own running shoes, don’t run.
© G. Michael Cocoris 8/28/2004
In 1 Corinthians 8-10, Paul discusses Christians eating meat offered to an idol. He says there is nothing wrong with it, because an idol is nothing, but not every one is knowledgeable. So the stronger must be careful not to hurt the weaker brother, who is not as knowledgeable. That takes self-denial. So, Paul launches into a lengthy elaboration of giving up one’s rights. He applies that to more than just eating meat offered to idols (1 Cor. 9:19-23). He ends with an illustration from the games.
Paul writes, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Cor 9:24-26).
Paul’s point is that believers ought to run the race of life so as to win the prize. Eternal life is a gift (Rom. 6:23) received simply by trusting Jesus Christ (Jn, 3:16). All who trust Christ will be judged, not to determine their eternal destiny, but their eternal reward (1 Cor. 3:11-15). If we live a loving life, we will be rewarded in heaven (1 Jn. 4:17-18), but that takes discipline, which is Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 9.
Paul adds they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. In the Olympic Games, the crown was made of olive leaves. If they put themselves through such strenuous self-denial for such temporary, fleeting rewards, how much more should we practice self-discipline for an incorruptible crown (1 Tim. 4:7-8).
The “Olympic Spirit” is not to watch; it is to work. It is not to be a spectator; it is to be a participator. It is not to play; it is to persist. In this passage, Paul puts all the emphasis on human effort. In other passages, he stresses God’s grace and power.
In the 1992 Summer Olympics, American sprinter Gail Devers, the clear leader in the 100 meter hurdles, tripped over the last barrier. She agonizingly pulled herself to her knees and crawled the last five meters, finishing fifth—but finishing. In the 400 meter semi-final, British runner Derek Redmond tore a hamstring and fell to the track. He struggled to his feet and began to hobble, determined to complete the race. His father ran from the stands to help him off the track, but the athlete refused to quit. He leaned on his father, and the two limped to the finish line together, to deafening applause.
Here is the tragedy: 87% of Americans who own running shoes, don’t run.
© G. Michael Cocoris 8/28/2004