Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "contest" can refer to various forms of competition, struggle, or conflict, both physical and spiritual. The concept of contest is often used metaphorically to describe the Christian life, spiritual warfare, and the pursuit of righteousness.Old Testament Context The Old Testament contains numerous accounts of physical contests, often in the form of battles or personal struggles. One of the most famous contests is the battle between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). This account illustrates the theme of faith and divine intervention, as David, a young shepherd, defeats the giant Goliath with God's help. The contest is not merely physical but also spiritual, as it demonstrates God's power over human strength. Another significant contest is the struggle between Jacob and the angel of the Lord in Genesis 32:24-30. This event, often referred to as Jacob wrestling with God, symbolizes the spiritual struggle and transformation that Jacob undergoes, resulting in his name being changed to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of contest is frequently used to describe the Christian life as a race or a fight. The Apostle Paul often employs athletic metaphors to encourage believers to persevere in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize." Here, the contest is the Christian's pursuit of holiness and eternal life, requiring discipline and dedication. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul reflects on his own life, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." The imagery of a fight or race underscores the perseverance and endurance required in the Christian journey. Spiritual Warfare The concept of contest is also evident in the theme of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the spiritual contest between believers and the forces of evil, emphasizing the need for spiritual armor and readiness. Moral and Ethical Contests Throughout Scripture, contests also occur in the form of moral and ethical decisions. The account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40) is a contest of faith and truth. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call upon their god to send fire from heaven, while he calls upon the Lord. The contest reveals the power of the true God and the futility of idolatry. Conclusion The biblical concept of contest encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, serving as a metaphor for the Christian life. It calls believers to engage in the struggle for faith, righteousness, and truth, relying on God's strength and guidance. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To make a subject of dispute, contention, litigation, or emulation; to contend for; to call in question; to controvert; to oppose; to dispute.2. (v. t.) To strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend; as, the troops contested every inch of ground. 3. (v. t.) To make a subject of litigation; to defend, as a suit; to dispute or resist; as a claim, by course of law; to controvert. 4. (v. i.) To engage in contention, or emulation; to contend; to strive; to vie; to emulate; -- followed usually by with. 5. (n.) Earnest dispute; strife in argument; controversy; debate; altercation. 6. (n.) Earnest struggle for superiority, victory, defense, etc.; competition; emulation; strife in arms; conflict; combat; encounter. Greek 73. agon -- a gathering, contest, struggle ... a gathering, contest, struggle. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: agon Phonetic Spelling: (ag-one') Short Definition: a contest Definition: an ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/73.htm - 7k 74. agonia -- a contest, great fear 119. athlesis -- a contest 118. athleo -- to contend, wrestle 75. agonizomai -- to contend for a prize, struggle 2603. katabrabeuo -- to give judgment against 1864. epagonizomai -- to contend with or for 4865. sunagonizomai -- to strive with 3823. pale -- wrestling, generally fight Strong's Hebrew 7832. sachaq -- to laugh... root Definition to laugh NASB Word Usage amuse (1), amusing (1), celebrate (2), celebrating (3), hold a contest (1), joking (1), laugh (6), laughed them to ... /hebrew/7832.htm - 6k 4066. madon -- strife, contention 7379. rib -- strife, dispute Library A Contest of Hospitality. That in Our Spiritual Contest we Ought to Draw an Example from the ... The Christian's Contest, Rest, and Hope. But If, for the Contest's Sake, God had Appointed Martyrdoms for ... Seest Thou How, at the End of the Contest... The First Per??an Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two ... The True and Chaste virgins Few; Chastity a Contest; Thekla Epistle viii. To the Martyrs and Confessors. Verse the Fifteenth But to those who have Been Delivered Up, and have Fallen... Thesaurus Contest (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Contest (7 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 9:25 But every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions. ... /c/contest.htm - 9k War (529 Occurrences) Agony (20 Occurrences) Game (11 Occurrences) Dispute (37 Occurrences) Match (4 Occurrences) Prize (13 Occurrences) Quarrel (22 Occurrences) Vie (2 Occurrences) Winning (3 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian enter a sweepstakes? | GotQuestions.orgWhy were Michael and Satan disputing over the body of Moses (Jude 9)? | GotQuestions.org What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven? | GotQuestions.org Contest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Contest (7 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 9:25 2 Timothy 2:5 2 Timothy 4:7 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 12:1 2 Samuel 2:14 Job 9:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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