What Does The Bible Say About Sports?
God's word doesn't talk about sports the way we see them today—like basketball, soccer, or football—but it does use the language of sports to teach us something way deeper. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:22-25, talks about running a race and fighting for a prize. He says everyone runs, but only one gets the prize, so run like you want to win! But here's the twist: athletes train for a trophy that fades, but we run for an eternal prize—the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The real victory isn't a gold medal or a championship ring, it's eternal life through Jesus.
Sports can be a tool, a platform, but they're not the source of hope. People lean on sports for meaning or identity, but the Bible says our true hope is in the gospel. So if you're coaching, playing, or just a fan, the main thing is to use every opportunity to point people to Jesus. Be "all things to all men" so that some might be saved. Focus on giving hope through the gospel, not just the game.
