1. Competing According to the Rules 2 Timothy 2:5

2. The Bible Uses Sports Metaphors To teach many different spiritual lessons (1 Cor. 9:24-27; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 12:1) Location of Isthmian Games near Corinth -- Photo by Ferrell Jenkins

3. The Bible Uses Sports Metaphors To help us understand the importance of competing “according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5) –The word translated “athletics” here is from “α ̓ ́θλος (athlos) – “a contest in the public lists; to contend in the competitive games, strive”.

4. There are RULES The rules are given by God (James 4:12) We must follow the rules in everything (Colossians 3:17) If we do things outside the rules, we will not receive the prize (Matthew 7:21-23; 13:41)

5. Three important RULES No false or early starts. (John 3:3-5; Galatians 3:27; Acts 19:1-5) No artificial strength enhancements (Psalm 52:7; 73:26; 71:16; Habakkuk 3:19; 1 Peter 4:11) You must stay in your lane – run your own race, bear your own load (Galatians 6:4-5; John 21:21-22; Romans 14:12-13)

6. There is a Crown Worth Striving For Our crown will not fade away! “…and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” -- 1 Peter 5:4 “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.” -- 1 Corinthians 9:25