CELEBRATING SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL

FITNESS

Lesson 3 for the

17th of April, 2010
 CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

Paul compares an
athlete’s life with a
Christian’s life.
 CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
Every athlete needs a coach.
“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. Let
us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews, 12: 1-2)

Our coach is Jesus. He lived the

same we are living and reached the
goal. He is willing to help us with
everything we need to reach it.
 CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
Every athlete obeys the rules.

“Similarly, if anyone competes

as an athlete, he does not
receive the victor's crown
unless he competes according to
the rules”
2 Timothy, 2: 5

We must obey the rules that govern a believer’s life, as they are
written in God’s Word.
 CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
Every athlete follows a strict discipline.

“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 for ever. Therefore I do not run like a man
running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 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.”
(1 Corinthians, 9: 25-27)

We must be subjected to a discipline.

That means to do things we dislike and are
beneficial for our Christian growth.
We must refrain from doing things we like
and make our spiritual growth difficult.
 CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
Every athlete trains everyday.

“There must be a continual exercise of faith to be

in Christ” E.G.W. (That I may know Him, February 18)

Although faith is a gift, we must

exercise it. We can make choices, claim
God’s promises, take chances and
submit to God’s will; always being
based on that faith.
We need a daily routine to exercise and
grow in faith. It should involve
studying, praying and meditating.
That will prevent our faith from
“atrophying” because a lack of
exercise.
 CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
Every athlete doesn’t let anything discourage him.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been
made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which
Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider
myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I
press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has
called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus” (Philippians, 3: 12-14)

Living by faith is, then, going on what we

already know of God’s love; it means trusting
God based on what we already have
experienced; it means taking Him at His
word because He has shown us His goodness
and love—no matter how difficult our
circumstances are and no matter how much
we do not see or understand.
 CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
Every athlete wins a prize when he reaches the goal.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have
kept the faith. 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”
(2 Timothy, 4: 7-8)

We must bear our goal in mind:

Finishing our earthly life without
being separated from Jesus.
Then, we will obtain our prize:
Living with Jesus forever.
CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE

“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; you were bought
at a price. Therefore honour God with
your body and with your spirit, which
are God's”
(1 Corinthians, 6: 19-20)

Our bodies and our minds are God’s gifts.

They are closely related.
Maintaining healthy bodies will help us in
maintaining our minds receptive to God’s
voice.
CHRISTIAN ATHLETE AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE
Physical exercise brings us several benefits:
Physical exercise is needed to
maintain a healthy body. It helps control weight.
Frequency and moderation must
be kept in mind, adapting the It is beneficial in helping to reduce high blood
exercise to our personal needs. pressure.

It decreases incidence of Type 2 diabetes.

It improves the protective, healthy high-

density lipoprotein cholesterol.

It gives one an improved feeling of well-being.

It delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

It generally improves mental performance.

It decreases depression.

It plays a role in the prevention of breast and

colon cancer.
“By neglecting to take physical exercise, by
overworking mind or body, we unbalance the
nervous system. Those who thus shorten their
lives by disregarding nature's laws are guilty
of robbery toward God. We have no right to
neglect or misuse the body, the mind, or the
strength, which should be used to offer God
consecrated service”

E.G.W. (Counsels on Health, cp. 2, page 41)