While considering the following 10 best Bible verses for athletes, keep in mind that the Bible is, first and foremost, the Word of God to believers and unbelievers. It’s not primarily a handbook for winning physical competitions. We start our list with 1 Timothy 4.8, which makes that perspective clear.
1. 1 Timothy 4.8 “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way. as it holds promise for the present life, and also for the life to come.”
2. Hebrews 12.1&2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”
3. Philippians 4.1 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
4. Isaiah 40.31. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings like the eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and shall not faint.”
5. 1 Corinthians 9.24-27 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
6. Proverbs 24.16 “For the righteous fails seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”
7. Ecclesiastes 9.11 “I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor richest to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.”
8. Psalm 18.32-34 “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.”
9. Galatians 6.9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.”
10. 2 Timothy 4.7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
