| Spiritual Athletes Notes Page "Spiritual Athletes" was originally written as a soft vocal and piano melody near the end of my senior year at high school. With the exception of the first stanza ("On the highway of the Word..."), this song had no rap at all. In 2003, I decided that it needed to be changed, so I wrote out the rock arrangement for it and added a prehook rap section to the end of all of the verses. (I've been told the best part of this song is the musical track of the chorus in which I combined two synthesizer tones (Orchestral Hit and Distorted Guitar) to give the chorus a driving, pulsating force.. Aside from "Spiritual Athletes", the only song I have ever used this for was the original version of "The Winning Seed" which is based on the same principle as this song.) The song is based on the biblical allegory of 'spiritual athletes', in which believers are referred to as competitors for God. This is a major truth of the Word. We have a personal adversary that we wrestle with, like Ephesians 6:10 and 12 says. Ephesians 6:10 and 12 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." There is a hymn, owned by the Way International, that truly captures the idea of being spiritual athletes for God and was also an inspiration for writing this song. Here are the lyrics: PRESS TOWARD THE MARK As spiritual athletes we compete in the competition of life. We stand against the spirit realm and dispel the darkness with light Conditioned by the Word of God we train and we mature. We grow with strength and ability; We learn how to endure. CHORUS: We press toward the mark for the prize as we run in the race of life. We press toward the mark and we strive for the mastery in the fight. We expend every last ounce of strength in order to win and attain. We press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God. We move with commitment in our hearts and with boldness we speak the Word. We gird our loins with present truth and stay faithful in our Lord. Outdistancing the enemy with all God's power within, We stand againt Satan's evil schemes; we're clothed with power to win. |
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