What is a Christian view of sports / athletics?

TL;DR:

Sports are a great physical example of the discipline and passion we should exhibit in our spiritual walk. We must be careful, however, not to let sports become an idol in our lives but rather to participate in them in a way that glorifies God.

what does the bible say?

Biblically, sports serve as a great metaphor for the initiative we should exert in our Christian walk, or better yet—race. In 1 Corinthians 9:25–27, Paul compares the self-discipline he exercises to a race in which the wreath of victory is eternal reward. Note that Paul isn’t suggesting that works–i.e., winning the “race”---saves. Scripture indicates that faith in Christ saves (Ephesians 2:8-9), but the works we do post-salvation reap rewards in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). IPaul is also comparing the Christian’s journey to competing in a sport in that it requires self-control and discipline. Paul uses sports comparisons in other passages, too. He encourages believers to live “according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5), indicates that he has “finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7), and that spiritual training is superior to physical training (1 Timothy 4:8). These comparisons show that God does condemn sports. However, as with all good things, we must avoid making sports an idol in our life, whether we are athletes or sports fans (or both) (1 John 5:21).

from the old testament

Sports analogies are mainly found in the New Testament. But Solomon used a sports metaphor in pondering the injustices in the world: “Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all” (Ecclesiastes 9:11).
When Jeremiah complained to God about why He wouldn’t destroy the wicked who had persecuted Jeremiah so much, God uses a sports analogy: “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses?” (Jeremiah 12:5). God was rhetorically asking Jeremiah how he would deal with much more significant persecution if he was already complaining about the lesser trials he had already endured.

from the new testament

Many of the references to sports in the Bible are found in the New Testament letters the Apostle Paul wrote to Christians living within the Roman Empire. Sports were an important part of Roman culture, so the people would have been able to relate to the examples used in the Bible (1 Corinthians 9:25–27).
In his letters addressed to Timothy, Paul encourages believers to “play by the rules” in their spiritual life through obedience (2 Timothy 2:5), to finish strong through endurance and perseverance like an athlete running a race would (2 Timothy 4:7), and to spiritually exercise because “godliness…holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
One of the greatest dangers for Christian athletes is allowing sports to become an idol. Sports fans can also prioritize their teams over everything else, including God. Believers must hold ourselves to a higher standard than the world and not allow anything to come before God—including sports (1 John 5:21)

implications for today

Although the Bible does not tell us which team to cheer for or teach us the rules of basketball, it is full of sports-related metaphors. These metaphors are examples for how to live out our Christian walk. As followers of Christ we are separate from the world because our sins have been forgiven, but we still must live in the world among non-Christians. We are to be witnesses to non-Christians of the freedom and joy that comes from the love and forgiveness we experience through a relationship with God (1 Peter 3:15). We witness to others through the way we live our lives. First Corinthians 10:31 states, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Unfortunately, today, many professional athletes do not live up to the model of an athlete presented in the Bible. Every day a new story emerges about athletes using drugs or steroids, cussing, fighting with the opposing team, physically abusing women, and the list goes on. On the other hand, when Christian athletes take a stand for their faith during games, or demonstrate godly character on the field, this can be a unique opportunity to be a witness for Christ. Christian athletes can pray with teammates, give thanks to God when their team wins, mentor younger athletes, and use income to donate to Christ-focused charities.

understand

The Bible, especially the New Testament, uses sports metaphors, implying that sports can be part of Christian life.
The apostle Paul used sports analogies to communicate the endurance required to live the Christian life.
Christians should guard against sports or any other interest becoming an idol.

reflect

What metaphors for the Christian life have you found most helpful?
In what ways can you use sports as a metaphor to inspire discipline and perseverance in your spiritual walk?
How do you ensure that your hobbies, interests, or fandoms never take the place of God in your priorities?

engage

How can Christians use sports to connect with non-believers and share their faith?
What are some elements of professional sports in our culture that run counter to Christian ideals?
How can metaphors from sports and other activities help people better understand biblical teachings?