Well, we’re almost there. I hope you have been able to follow my sometimes rambling thoughts on the nature and work of the church. We have seen the church from three Biblical metaphors: Organism/Family, Agriculture, and Military. Now we turn to one that is used to a lesser degree but is still prevalent enough to consider: Athletics/Team.Jesus did not speak directly to this metaphor but we do see the idea of working as a team in his ministry. He sends his disciples out “two-by-two” to do ministry in the villages (Mark 6:7-13). When they return, he calls them “together” so that they can debrief and spend time with the father (Luke 9:10). He speaks repeatedly to the importance of unity within the group and, in the end, he prays most earnestly for this unity (John 17:23).
The concept of athletics is developed in more detail by the apostle Paul. The most common form of athletics was track and field … it was the race. Paul talks about the Christian life in the church as the running and finishing of a race (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24; Galatians 2:2; Galatians 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7). Paul compares the Christian life to a boxing match (or more likely a gladiator battle), when he speaks to the strategic nature of the work (1 Corinthians 9:26). There is a discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27) and a persistence (Philippians 3:14) necessary to finishing the race or winning the fight. Ultimately, Paul is satisfied to have finished the race and the good fight (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7).
Paul uses the language of the gymnasium when he exhorts the church to train themselves to be godly (1 Timothy 4:7-8), and to follow the rules so as to not be disqualified after having run (2 Timothy 2:5). Paul emphasizes the importance of the unity of teamwork (Ephesians 4:16-17) so that the church will reach her potential and fulfill her mission. John echoes Paul’s words (3 John 1:3-8), as does the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 12:1).
Paul tells us that Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18) and if we lose touch with Him we cease to grow (Colossians 2:19). This is reminiscent of the words of Jesus when he said that he was the vine and we are the branches. Apart from Him we can do nothing. (John 15:7). Jesus tells his disciples that they are no longer his students, but have become his friends (John 15:17). Paul confirms this when he calls us co-heirs with Jesus in all the God owns (Romans 8:17) – We are on the same team and share in the rewards of the victory!
Next time we’ll draw some conclusions and begin the process of synthesizing the motifs we have examined over the last week. Stay tuned …
Pray that God will keep a strong team spirit in our church. With God on our team there is nothing we can’t accomplish. Ask God to make you an integral part of his team!
Blessings,
Pastor Ellis
This metaphor is near and dear to me. God has blessed me by giving legs that have been able to train for and complete 3 marathons. The first one, I trained with a team. There is probably no way I could have completed training alone. However, my first race, I lost my team and ran alone...finished poorly. The 2nd and 3rd, I trained somewhat alone, but on race day, I had people planned to run with me parts of the race, and I have since helped others in finishing the race. Team is SO important. Encouragement, sharpening, holding in check and keeping honest. Love it! I'll be praying this for my family.
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