The Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries
Romans 15:30 - synagōnisasthaí
Dr. Greg Linville
July 31, 2026
AGON, Striving, Teamwork, Struggle
Romans 15:30
“Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.”
synagōnisasthaí: to strive together with, to join in a struggle, or to labor/agonize together in aiding someone
Most Christians think striving is the opposite of faith...but did you know the Bible actually commands it.
Yes, the Bible not only says it’s OK to strive, but actually commands us to strive. The Greek word we are considering today is AGON which is where we get our English word AGONY from. AGON was the word in the Greek language that described the athletic contests in which athletes competed with one another and/or strove to overcome an athletic obstacle.
God inspired the Apostle Paul to communicate a spiritual lesson to the Christians in Rome that they were to “strive together... in prayer!”
Imagine that: we are to strive like an athlete in prayer!
As an athlete or coach, you know what it means to bring your entire focus on striving to succeed in your sport. Now, imagine what might happen if you and a teammate were to apply that same kind of effort and energy into your prayer life!
Action point: make a list of who you will invite to “strive” together with you in prayer?
