Athletics
Philosophy of Athletics
Trinity Christian School embraces the use of athletics in order to develop Christian character in its students. The New Testament often uses athletic imagery to teach us about the Christian life. For example, some passages refer directly to athletics (e.g., 1 Cor. 9:24-27 and 2 Tim. 2:5), whereas others speak figuratively by using an expression taken out of athletics or competition and using it with reference to another activity (e.g., in Luke 13:24, Jesus says we are to strive to enter into the narrow gate, which is usually used in the context of competing for a prize).
In the Scriptures (especially in the writings of the apostle Paul), the Lord uses athletic imagery to show at least 8 areas of character traits essential for the Christian life. The below is based on a series of sermons by Pastor George McDearmon on Christ-Likeness and Athletic Imagery of Ballston Lake Baptist Church.
(1) Submission to Authority. According to 2 Timothy 2:5, "if anyone competes in athletics he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules..."
(2) Discipline. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 tell you to "exercise yourself to godliness, for bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things..."
(3) Self-Control. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, the apostle Paul reminds the believer: "[D]o you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run not thus with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified..."
(4) Hard Work. In Luke 12:24, one is instructed to strive as if competing for the prize. In Col. 1:29, Paul describes his labors for the gospel as striving according to the workings of God.
(5) Courage. For example, in 1 Tim. 6:12, Paul exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. In Jude 1:3, Jude exhorts the believers to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints..." Both passages assume courage is necessary to fight and contend in the face of opposition.
(6) Teamwork. According to Phil. 1:27, Paul exhorts the Philippians that with one mind they were to strive together for the faith of the Gospel.
(7) Endurance. In Heb. 12:1, the author exhorts his readers to run with endurance the race set before us.
(8) Focus. Believers are exhorted to conducting themselves with single-mindedness fixed upon a goal. In Heb. 12:1, with the imagery of the runner looking upon the finish line, and in Phil. 3:12-14, where Paul describes his pressing on towards the prize, and the word used is the Greek word for a prize won in the public games.
As you contemplate if your child should participate in TCS Athletics, please prayerfully consider the many positive benefits that can come from participation. Indeed, in our society, many of these traits may best be learned in athletic competition. Our students have seen the benefits that come from hard work, and the lessons thus learned may well be carried over into every area of their lives.
Below are links to the series of sermons on Christ-Likeness and Athletic Imagery delivered by the Pastor George McDearmon of Ballston Lake Baptist Church.
In the Scriptures (especially in the writings of the apostle Paul), the Lord uses athletic imagery to show at least 8 areas of character traits essential for the Christian life. The below is based on a series of sermons by Pastor George McDearmon on Christ-Likeness and Athletic Imagery of Ballston Lake Baptist Church.
(1) Submission to Authority. According to 2 Timothy 2:5, "if anyone competes in athletics he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules..."
(2) Discipline. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 tell you to "exercise yourself to godliness, for bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things..."
(3) Self-Control. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, the apostle Paul reminds the believer: "[D]o you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run not thus with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified..."
(4) Hard Work. In Luke 12:24, one is instructed to strive as if competing for the prize. In Col. 1:29, Paul describes his labors for the gospel as striving according to the workings of God.
(5) Courage. For example, in 1 Tim. 6:12, Paul exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. In Jude 1:3, Jude exhorts the believers to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints..." Both passages assume courage is necessary to fight and contend in the face of opposition.
(6) Teamwork. According to Phil. 1:27, Paul exhorts the Philippians that with one mind they were to strive together for the faith of the Gospel.
(7) Endurance. In Heb. 12:1, the author exhorts his readers to run with endurance the race set before us.
(8) Focus. Believers are exhorted to conducting themselves with single-mindedness fixed upon a goal. In Heb. 12:1, with the imagery of the runner looking upon the finish line, and in Phil. 3:12-14, where Paul describes his pressing on towards the prize, and the word used is the Greek word for a prize won in the public games.
As you contemplate if your child should participate in TCS Athletics, please prayerfully consider the many positive benefits that can come from participation. Indeed, in our society, many of these traits may best be learned in athletic competition. Our students have seen the benefits that come from hard work, and the lessons thus learned may well be carried over into every area of their lives.
Below are links to the series of sermons on Christ-Likeness and Athletic Imagery delivered by the Pastor George McDearmon of Ballston Lake Baptist Church.
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