The forerunner of the modern Olympic Games are doubtless what provided Paul with the analogy that he employs in this section of his epistle. The spectators in their tiered seats looking down upon the arena and watching the athletes; the athletes themselves preparing themselves for running, laying aside every outer garment which may have proved to be a hindrance and the determination shown once the race began, all are employed by the apostles in this exhortation to earnestness and faithfulness. This is a suitable meditation on this anniversary day in which we meet to bless God for His mercy to us over the last 31 years.