Jim Otto was the center for the Oakland Raiders for 15 seasons. He endured more pain while starting 210 consecutive games than any other athlete in NFL history. Otto is recognized as one of the greatest and most durable centers the game of football has ever seen. During his 15-year career, he never missed a game. When Otto retired after the 1974 season, he had played in 308 games as a Raider. In his book, Jim Otto: The Pain of Glory, he recounts his story of enduring numerous injuries and frequent surgeries.

Determination to endure suffering is crucial for football players—it’s also an essential quality for the Christian. Paul warns Timothy in Chapter 2 to expect pain similar to what Paul had endured. To help him plan for what a servant of the gospel might need to endure, he uses several illustrations of people who face hardship in pursuit of a worthy goal. The athlete is one such illustration, showing the sacrifices required to do the work well. 

2 Timothy 2 – Never Ending

Jim Otto reached many of his goals in the NFL because he was determined to do so. That’s what Paul teaches Timothy in verse 5 of 2 Timothy 2. The Greek word “competes as an athlete” describes a continuous, never-ending competition. This verb generally means to compete for something or to engage in a contest. This specific verb form suggests active wrestling. Competing describes the determination to do your best. It’s the motivation to win. Competing as an athlete is about internal striving for victory and fighting for excellence. 

Since Christ is the way of salvation, we should be determined to make His gospel message known. We should also strive to obey His Word with a heart of excellence, like athletes who give their best in following Christ. The Christian athlete and coach aim to conform to the likeness of Jesus Christ through their athletic performance. God desires that you become just like Jesus. There is coming a day when you will be just like Jesus. Think about that. You will share in His glory and be in His very presence (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete recognize that their suffering is nothing compared to Jesus’ suffering. They regularly practice repentance by turning from sin and submitting their lives to Christ.

Bible Memory Verse – “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Endurance

Our featured book this week is 2 Timothy (The Faith Contending Coach) by Shannon Caughey. This is an 11-week Bible study for coaches who want to contend faithfully for Jesus and the gospel.

Click HERE to review. 

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