Definition and Context:
Competing refers to the act of striving against others to achieve a goal or win a prize. In the biblical context, competition can be seen in various forms, from athletic contests to spiritual endeavors. The Bible often uses the metaphor of competition to illustrate spiritual truths and the Christian life.

Biblical References:

1. Athletic Metaphors:
The Apostle Paul frequently uses athletic imagery to describe the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable." Here, Paul encourages believers to pursue their spiritual goals with the same dedication and discipline as athletes.

2. Striving for Excellence:
In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul advises, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence in all endeavors, not for human recognition, but as an act of worship and service to God.

3. Healthy Competition:
While the Bible encourages striving for excellence, it also warns against selfish ambition and rivalry. Philippians 2:3-4 states, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage highlights the importance of maintaining humility and considering others, even in competitive situations.

4. Spiritual Competition:
The concept of competing is also applied to spiritual warfare and the pursuit of holiness. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul reflects on his life, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up 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 to all who crave His appearing." This illustrates the ultimate competition for believers: to remain faithful and receive the eternal reward from God.

Theological Implications:

· Discipline and Perseverance: The metaphor of competition underscores the need for discipline and perseverance in the Christian life. Just as athletes train rigorously, Christians are called to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship to grow in their faith.

· Eternal Perspective: The Bible encourages believers to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary, earthly prizes. This perspective helps Christians prioritize their spiritual journey over worldly success.

· Community and Humility: While competition can foster growth and improvement, it must be balanced with humility and a sense of community. Believers are called to support and encourage one another, recognizing that their ultimate goal is to glorify God rather than to outdo each other.

Practical Application:

· In Personal Life: Christians are encouraged to pursue their goals with diligence and integrity, always seeking to honor God in their efforts. Whether in academics, sports, or careers, the focus should be on doing one's best for God's glory.

· In Church and Ministry: Within the church, competition should be healthy and aimed at building up the body of Christ. Ministries and individuals should work together, celebrating each other's successes and collaborating for the common good.

· In Society: Christians are called to be examples of fair play and integrity in all competitive arenas, demonstrating Christ-like character in both victory and defeat.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Compete.5143. trecho -- to run
... 5143 -- properly, to (like an athlete competing in the ancient Greek games);
(figuratively) advance , like an athlete with (see 1 Cor 9:24). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5143.htm - 8k2734. charah -- to burn or be kindled with anger
... 18), angry* (5), became (1), became angry (4), became furious (1), became...angry
(3), burn (5), burned (29), burns (1), compete (1), competing (1), distressed ...
/hebrew/2734.htm - 6k

Christ's 'little Whiles'
... What should charm us if we saw Him? Competing glories and attractions would
fade before His presence, as a dim candle dies at noon. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/christs little whiles.htm

Interdenominational Readjustment
... the community. 2. Saving of missionary money by eliminating duplication of
missionary grants by competing denominations. 3. A marked ...
/.../chapter viii interdenominational readjustment.htm

Rome and Ephesus
... The competing existence of Adoptionist and Pre-existent Christology does much
to explain the early development of the doctrine of the Trinity. ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/v rome and ephesus.htm

Missionary Programs and Rural Community Service
... adjustment would have relieved the situation by removing the necessity, namely,
that of division of local resources by competing religious forces. ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter x missionary programs and.htm

Hebrew and Greek Text.
... If adopted, due note was taken by the secretary, and, if it was thought a case
for a margin, the competing reading was therein specified. ...
/.../address iii hebrew and greek.htm

Special Efforts
... she showed the way to Heaven! Soon, therefore, a competing light blazed
before the citadel. The entrance to 'Norland Castle, The ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vi special efforts.htm

Fifteenth Day. Pleasing God.
... can exist. In the holy bosom of Jesus, that love reigned paramount, admitting
no rival"no competing affection. Though infinitely ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/fifteenth day pleasing god.htm

Boastings and Quarrels of the Philosophers.
... gluttony. O man competing with the dog, [491] you know not God, and so
have turned to the imitation of an irrational animal. You ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter xxv boastings and quarrels of.htm

He was Called Ibn-Mansur, from the Name of his Father. --Assemani ...
... His compositions are tolerably numerous, and he seems to have taken a pleasure in
competing with S. John Damascene, as in the Nativity, the Epiphany, the ...
/.../neale/hymns of the eastern church/f he was called ibn-mansur.htm

Preface to the Sixth Edition.
... Since the appearance of the Creeds of Christendom, 1877, no work has been
issued competing with it in scope and comprehensiveness. ...
/.../preface to the sixth edition.htm

Competing (1 Occurrence)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Compete. Multi-Version Concordance Competing (1 Occurrence).
Jeremiah 22:15 Shall you reign, because you strive to excel in cedar? ...
/c/competing.htm - 6k

Competition (6 Occurrences)

/c/competition.htm - 8k

Pool (25 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) A mutual arrangement between competing lines, by which the receipts of all
are aggregated, and then distributed pro rata according to agreement. ...
/p/pool.htm - 40k

Competes (2 Occurrences)

/c/competes.htm - 7k

Empire (8 Occurrences)
... It was possessed also of an immense advantage over all competing religions of the
Roman empire in being adapted to all classes and conditions and to all changes ...
/e/empire.htm - 80k

Roman (26 Occurrences)
... It was possessed also of an immense advantage over all competing religions of the
Roman empire in being adapted to all classes and conditions and to all changes ...
/r/roman.htm - 101k

Christianity

/c/christianity.htm - 101k

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