Race = Agona…which sounds like…
So…I was on this Women’s Retreat in February…and this gal spoke about the Hebrews 11 verse… “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”…and what struck me immediately was how the Greek word for RACE was explained….and oh gee I don’t know…since we’re on the WORLD RACE it seemed fitting that these descriptions might encourage some fellow racers out there…whether on the World Race or this race we undergo as followers of Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed!
Erin
e. Race is the ancient Greek word agona, a word used for conflict or struggle of many kinds, and a favorite word of Paul (Philippians 1:30, Colossians 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7).
i. Endurance is needed to run that race. Endurance translates the ancient Greek word hupomone, “which does not mean the patience which sits down and accepts things but the patience which masters them . . . It is a determination, unhurrying and yet undelaying, which goes steadily on and refuses to be deflected.” (Barclay)
http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/5812.htm
As the athlete strives to please the coach, we should strive to please the Lord. Our desire should be to hear from Him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Anything that would hurt our race should be removed. We are to lay aside every weight. This word "weight" is the word ogkon which means "bulk of body or fat; overconfidence,cockiness, pride, and arrogance." The words "besetting sin" are the words for long garments that could entangle the legs. One item could slow the runner in his race. One sin problem can hinder you and slow your progress such as pride, addictions, your temper or tongue.We are to be looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. In the Roman games,the runners would keep their eyes on the judge. The judge could be at both the starting line and finishing line if it was a circular race. The judge could be at the finish line if it was a straight race. Whatever, they kept their eyes on the judge. While running the race for the Lord Jesus Christ, our eyes should be on our path and the finish. Looking behind hurts your race because it breaks your stride, and you could stumble and fall. We are to keep looking forward for Christ.
http://wobcnc.com/files/The%20Author%20and%20Finisher%20of%20our%20Faith.pdf
