I do believe that if the Apostle Paul had been watching the Olympics on TV during the recent days, that he would have had a good understanding of what was going on (Though some events like water polo, bicycle races and 3-on-3 basketball would have needed some explaining). But winners standing on raised platforms to receive their medals would have been pretty clear to him. In Paul’s day the Olympic and the Peninsula games were an important part of Grecian life. In his writings, Paul used athletics and the picture of winners receiving rewards to communicate spiritual truth. For Paul, there were some interesting parallels between what took place in those Greek games, and what will take place at the future time when Jesus rewards His people.
Some Similarities Between The Past Games and Our Future Rewarding.
(1) Disciplined living is essential. One cannot help being amazed at the hours and hours spent by these athletes in training for their events. Their focus in life is quite clear—Olympic Gold. A specific training regimen and strict dietary considerations are all part of daily life. These athletes understand that if they want the gold medal, they must discipline themselves. They cannot live carelessly and expect to win a medal. They cannot “cheat” on their training and expect to be standing on that raised platform at the Olympics.
And this matter of disciplined living is exactly how the Apostle Paul lived and what he encouraged believers to do in theirs. With the games in mind, he wrote:
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I preached to others, I myself should be disqualified (benched).” (1 Cor. 9:24-27, NASB)
At our future time of rewarding before the Lord Jesus, those believers who were disciplined and focused in living for Jesus and according to His standards, will be greatly rewarded. But it is clear from Paul’s statement that sloppy Christian living will not produce that “well done, good servant”, nor will it produce any significant rewards. He told Timothy that “if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5). Living according to the standards of Christ will bring significant reward at the judgment seat of Christ. And being disciplined in our living is essential to future rewarding.
(2) Reward is based on achievement. This is something that should be obvious to everyone. At the Olympics, they do not hand out participation medals, rather only winners received medals. Being good-looking, or famous, or wealthy or politically connected plays no part in getting a medal. One receives a medal by having the best time in the event or jumping the highest or farthest or whatever the criteria was for any particular event.
In the future evaluation of believers by Jesus, the issue is not if one was famous or held a high position in the church. It is based on our faithfulness (note 1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Being faithful will produce much good in this life and will be greatly rewarded when believers appear before the Lord Jesus. Achievement (not being famous) brings reward.
(3) Status gained but no loss of position. At the Olympics, there is real status in winning a medal and some real benefits come to the athlete (note that the medalists will be doing lots of lucrative commercials when they get back home). But if an athlete comes in fourth or tenth, and thus not medaling; this does not remove the individual from being a citizen of their country. They are not punished for not getting a medal. They will not have any difficulty getting back into their home country. They may not have any parades given in their honor, but they will not suffer abuse at the hands of the government.
At the judgment seat of Christ, the believer will not lose his/her position as a child of God even if there are few or no rewards received. The believer’s salvation is never in jeopardy. He will never be excluded from the coming kingdoms of God. He may not hold a position of honor (such as ruling with Christ), or have status in the kingdom like those who faithfully served the Lord in this life. He will be in the marvelous coming kingdom of Christ and the future, forever kingdom of God. But there are going to be differences in these future aspects of the coming kingdoms. Simply put, not all believers will be the same in our relationship with Jesus or the opportunities to serve Him.
Some Differences Between The Past Games and Our Future Rewarding.
(1) Temporary versus everlasting. In the scripture given above in 1 Corinthians, the Apostle is clear that the Greek athletes of his day received rewards that were perishable. The wreath, made out of plants, would wither up and would likely be discarded. They were quite temporary. In contrast, the “crown” (reward) received from Jesus at the judgment seat is said to be imperishable. It will not wither up and be discarded. In fact, the evidence from scripture is that these rewards will be manifested throughout the 1,000-year kingdom reign of Jesus, and most likely, will last for all eternity. Paul spoke of the “eternal weight of glory” which awaited him beyond the difficulties and trials of this present life. He was clear that his present disciplined life, in which he said “no” to himself time and again, would result in amazing rewards in the future.
(2) Faulty evaluation versus perfect evaluation. In a number of Olympic events, such as diving and gymnastics, there are judges who determine the scores given to each of the athletes. There is a detailed criteria that is used in their judging. But human error or prejudice is always possible. In the past, there have been times when the scoring was a little suspicious. For example, a French judge gives a higher score to the French athlete; noticeably higher than the scores given by judges from the USA or Bulgaria. This has not generally been an issue, but the human factor is always there in some Olympic events.
No such issue will be part of Jesus’ judging. His evaluation will be absolutely perfect. He knows everything and will not overlook anything. Even the cup of cold water given to bless others or the word of encouragement will be included in His evaluation of believers. Anything done to bring honor to Christ will be noted and included. His standard of rewarding are clearly given in 1 Corinthians 3 and 4 and these He will follow. (The criteria: (1) living according to the standards of Scripture; (2) faithful to what we have been given; and (3) our motivations as we live for Him).
A Concluding Thought.The Olympic games are past and will soon be forgotten by most people. But they can nevertheless be a reminder of that event which is still in the future; our appearing before the Lord Jesus Christ. The old saying still is true:
Only one life, it will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”