Does the Bible talk about sports?
Here's the answer:
Yes, the Bible talks about sports, often as a comparison for biblical truths.
Are you a big fan of sports? Maybe you play basketball, soccer, or volleyball. Sports are a lot of fun, whether you are playing them or watching them. The Bible uses many analogies connecting biblical truths back to sports or athletics. For example, Paul tells us to run in a way such as to win the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).
During Paul’s time, the Roman Olympics were very popular. By reminding his listeners of this sports event, he was able to teach biblical truths. If sports were something God didn't want us involved in, He would not have allowed Paul to make these connections. As it is, sports are part of the beautiful life God has given us, and there is much we can learn from them.
Sports give us many benefits, yet the greatest is self-control. Athletes exercise self-control to keep their mind and body healthy for competitions (1 Corinthians 9:25). In the same way, we need to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives, as this helps us to turn away from sin. Lastly, we need to remember that physical training offers us some value, but godliness offers us value in all things (1 Timothy 4:8).
Bible Truth
"A huge cloud of witnesses is all around us. So let us throw off everything that stands in our way. Let us throw off any sin that holds on to us so tightly. And let us keep on running the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1).
"God gave us his Spirit. And the Spirit doesn’t make us weak and fearful. Instead, the Spirit gives us power and love. He helps us control ourselves" (2 Timothy 1:7).
"In a race all the runners run. But only one gets the prize. You know that, don’t you? So run in a way that will get you the prize. All who take part in the games train hard. They do it to get a crown that will not last. But we do it to get a crown that will last forever" (1 Corinthians 9:24–25).
