Outreach ideas and teaching analogies abound as the world, and the church, prepares for Super Bowl 50. It’s a natural blend: sports and the gospel have made good partners since New Testament times. (And yes, the NFL has temporarily shelved its tradition of using Roman numerals. “Super Bowl 50” is a much better visual than “Super Bowl L”.)
Sports references in the New Testament are varied and well-used: from sports arenas, to running a race, to boxing (yes, boxing!), and more, each providing a specific and intentional analogy to make a big theological point. It’s widely known that the ancient Greek games were popular in New Testament times. Along with these games, however, are the ancient Isthmian games hosted in Corinth (named after the Ismuth of Corinth where they were held). These were Olympic-esque games in Olympic off-years. This might explain the New Testament’s go-to use of sports metaphors, especially Paul’s detailed sports analogy in 1 Corinthians 9, one of his letters to believers in Corinth, which included a reference to boxing, an Isthmian sport.
Great teaching includes great analogies. The apostle Paul and early church leaders used many things at their disposal to explain the gospel and how to live its message, giving us a variety of ways to look at key concepts. While the world is primed for the upcoming Super Bowl (or at least its commercials), take a minute to ingest Scripture’s use of sports to get make vital teaching points. Maybe you feel like your week is already in the fourth quarter, you’re tired, and the scoreboard is not in your favor. Below you’ll find the passages containing the key sports analogies of the New Testament. Let these verses serve as a late-game timeout with your Coach, giving you the necessary words to finish strong.
As you read these passages, look for the following “coaching points” and note them when you see them (copy them into an e-doc, write them on a journal page, etc.).
Encouragement
Instruction
Motivation
Warning
The key theological point being made
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Galatians 2:1-5
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
Philippians 2:14-18
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
After reading the passages and noting the coaching points, spend a few minutes internalizing the points. Ask yourself: Where do I need encouragement? Which of these instructions do I most need to heed? How do these words motivate me? How can I heed the warnings? How does the big theological point impact my circumstances today?
Whether you are a sports participant or not, these sports analogies can help you visualize the key theological point being made in each passage. Let the truth of these passages lead you to a super day. And, whether you are a football fan or not, you will likely be watching the Super Bowl. Enjoy the game.
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