10 Bible Verses for Athletes

These Bible verses for athletes remind me of several things. For one, the concept of physical and athletic training has its metaphorical place in Scripture. Whether through Paul's comparison of the discipleship journey to a race or the understanding that intense training and discipline produces strength and endurance, it is there. On the other hand, the fact that athletics and physical training are eluded to is an implication of their significance as well. The key, however, as shown in 1 Timothy 4:8, is for godliness to take ultimate precedence. Regardless, these Bible verses for athletes function in a manner that highlights both of the aforementioned. God comes first, but we cannot forget that we need to honor God with all that we are and all that we do. Please remember that these Bible verses for athletes are obviously removed from their original context. In doing so, I am not advocating that we neglect thorough, exegetical study. The key is finding a balance. It is my hope that these Bible verses for athletes provide you with encouragement and motivation. Remember that physically taking care of our bodies is a sign of good stewardship! With all that said, here are 10 Bible verses for athletes.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (#1 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Isaiah 40:29-31 (#2 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Philippians 4:13 (#3 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.

1 Timothy 4:8 (#5 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (#6 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
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.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (#7 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
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 a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Colossians 3:23-24 (#8 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (#9 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Psalm 105:4 (#10 of 10 Bible Verses for Athletes)
4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.