Competition at church?

Competition

 

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV / 471 helpful votes

 

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV / 454 helpful votes

 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 314 helpful votes

 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

2 Timothy 2:5 ESV / 288 helpful votes

 

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

Galatians 6:4 ESV / 217 helpful votes

 

But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

Colossians 3:17 ESV / 198 helpful votes

 

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Philippians 2:3 ESV / 197 helpful votes

 

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 191 helpful votes

 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 159 helpful votes

 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

James 4:6 ESV / 145 helpful votes

 

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Luke 16:15 ESV / 140 helpful votes

 

And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV / 131 helpful votes

 

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Galatians 6:9 ESV / 129 helpful votes

 

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-26 ESV / 125 helpful votes

 

What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity. There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Luke 1:37 ESV / 124 helpful votes

 

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Ecclesiastes 4:4 ESV / 120 helpful votes

 

Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 119 helpful votes

 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 19:30 ESV / 117 helpful votes

 

But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Psalm 108:13 ESV / 117 helpful votes

 

With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.

John 15:13 ESV / 116 helpful votes

 

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV / 114 helpful votes

 

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

Galatians 5:26 ESV / 109 helpful votes

 

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV / 83 helpful votes

 

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Acts 20:24 ESV / 79 helpful votes

 

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

James 4:1 ESV / 69 helpful votes

 

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

Hebrews 12:1 ESV / 66 helpful votes

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Deuteronomy 28:1 ESV / 65 helpful votes

 

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

Proverbs 25:27 ESV / 62 helpful votes

 

It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV / 59 helpful votes

 

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV / 55 helpful votes

 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV / 53 helpful votes

 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV / 49 helpful votes

 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

2 Timothy 4:7 ESV / 47 helpful votes

 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 45 helpful votes

 

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Romans 12:2 ESV / 39 helpful votes

 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 5:16 ESV / 37 helpful votes

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

James 3:13-18 ESV / 36 helpful votes

 

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ...

Colossians 3:12 ESV / 36 helpful votes

 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Matthew 19:26 ESV / 36 helpful votes

 

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Isaiah 5:8 ESV / 36 helpful votes

 

Woe to those who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land.

Proverbs 1:1-33 ESV / 34 helpful votes

 

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, ...

Proverbs 16:18 ESV / 33 helpful votes

 

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Acts 17:10-11 ESV / 32 helpful votes

 

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Proverbs 13:10 ESV / 32 helpful votes

 

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Isaiah 14:12-15 ESV / 31 helpful votes

 

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.

1 Timothy 4:8 ESV / 29 helpful votes

 

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 29 helpful votes

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Galatians 6:14 ESV / 26 helpful votes

 

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

John 3:16 ESV / 26 helpful votes

 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV / 25 helpful votes

 

For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

John 17:1-26 ESV / 25 helpful votes

 

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. ...

James 3:14-16 ESV / 24 helpful votes

 

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

John 16:33 ESV / 24 helpful votes

 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 13:34-35 ESV / 24 helpful votes

 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Luke 18:14 ESV / 24 helpful votes

 

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

1 John 2:15-17 ESV / 23 helpful votes

 

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 Samuel 18:7-9 ESV / 22 helpful votes

 

And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV / 21 helpful votes

 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

John 8:44 ESV / 21 helpful votes

 

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Psalm 37:5 ESV / 21 helpful votes

 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Jude 1:6 ESV / 20 helpful votes

 

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—

Galatians 5:20 ESV / 20 helpful votes

 

Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,

Romans 8:7 ESV / 20 helpful votes

 

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

Proverbs 14:12 ESV / 20 helpful votes

 

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 19 helpful votes

 

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 19 helpful votes

 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 19 helpful votes

 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 45:2-10 ESV / 19 helpful votes

 

You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; ...

1 Peter 2:23 ESV / 18 helpful votes

 

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

1 Peter 2:21 ESV / 18 helpful votes

 

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

1 John 2:15-16 ESV / 17 helpful votes

 

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV / 17 helpful votes

 

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Philippians 3:13-14 ESV / 17 helpful votes

 

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 ESV / 17 helpful votes

 

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.

1 Samuel 18:15-16 ESV / 17 helpful votes

 

And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.

Romans 13:2 ESV / 16 helpful votes

 

Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Isaiah 14:12-14 ESV / 16 helpful votes

 

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’

Mark 9:23 ESV / 15 helpful votes

 

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

Philippians 3:14 ESV / 14 helpful votes

 

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV / 13 helpful votes

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Matthew 9:37-38 ESV / 13 helpful votes

 

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Philippians 3:12-14 ESV / 12 helpful votes

 

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1 Samuel 1:1-28 ESV / 12 helpful votes

 

There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. ...

Colossians 3:12-15 ESV / 11 helpful votes

 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Philippians 2:2 ESV / 11 helpful votes

 

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 ESV / 11 helpful votes

 

Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. Again, I saw vanity under the sun: one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-3:22 ESV / 11 helpful votes

 

I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. ...

Proverbs 16:18-19 ESV / 11 helpful votes

 

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 ESV / 10 helpful votes

 

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Romans 8:28 ESV / 10 helpful votes

 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 12:1 ESV / 9 helpful votes

 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Proverbs 25:28 ESV / 9 helpful votes

 

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Hebrews 13:5 ESV / 8 helpful votes

 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Philippians 1:14-20 ESV / 8 helpful votes

 

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, ...

1 Corinthians 4:6 ESV / 8 helpful votes

 

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

Isaiah 40:29-31 ESV / 8 helpful votes

 

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12 ESV / 8 helpful votes

 

Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. ...

1 Timothy 6:10 ESV / 7 helpful votes

 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Corinthians 4:6-7 ESV / 7 helpful votes

 

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

John 3:16-17 ESV / 7 helpful votes

 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.