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Run to Win: The Lifelong Pursuits of a Godly Man
Plan to Run, Train to Run, Run to Win...Anyone can start a race, but it takes planning and training to finish it. In 17 brief chapters (about 8 pages each), Run to Win explores the three main areas of any Christian man's
The Disciplines of FaithThe Disciplines of LifeThe Disciplines of RelationshipTim Challies "A good long-distance runner knows the importance of planning his race. As he passes the starting line he is already considering how he will cross the finish line. As he takes his first easy step, he has planned how he will take his last grueling step.
"As a Christian man, you are already running the race of life. You are not competing against other people, but against the deadly enemies of the world, the flesh, and the devil."How do you plan to maintain your pace throughout this race?To obtain the prize, you will need to run to the very end. You will need to cross that finish line. And to do that, you will need to plan your race. You will need to plan the ways you will run today so you can continue to run in the difficult days ahead. That is what this book is all about.
The Disciplines of FaithThe Disciplines of LifeThe Disciplines of RelationshipTim Challies "A good long-distance runner knows the importance of planning his race. As he passes the starting line he is already considering how he will cross the finish line. As he takes his first easy step, he has planned how he will take his last grueling step.
"As a Christian man, you are already running the race of life. You are not competing against other people, but against the deadly enemies of the world, the flesh, and the devil."How do you plan to maintain your pace throughout this race?To obtain the prize, you will need to run to the very end. You will need to cross that finish line. And to do that, you will need to plan your race. You will need to plan the ways you will run today so you can continue to run in the difficult days ahead. That is what this book is all about.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
54 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Tim Challies
61 books1,565 followersTim Challies is a leading evangelical blogger. A self-employed web designer, Tim lives in the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 13, 2025
Great motivation for the Christian life. Filled with gospel hope but strong exhortations, I would definitely recommend it to any guy.
September 19, 2024
Went through this with a friend on Thursday mornings for the past few months, this is one book that is an easy recommendation to just about any Christian man. Challies packs a lot into a small package here, each of the chapters and themes are a great starting point for further study. Of note is the "Do It Now" application section at the end of each chapter to spur action. Led to fruitful discussions at 6am at Mcdonalds, that's for sure!
February 24, 2020
Sports are everywhere. The NBA. The NFL. The Olympics. While there are much inspiration and motivation to see in our favorite athletes, we must not miss the metaphor the Bible gives us in training, competing, running, and winning. In Run to Win - The lifelong Pursuits of a Godly Man, Tim Challies hopes to help men successfully cross the finish line of life.
Life-Long Pursuits
In this book, blogger, author, and book reviewer Tim Challies gives us a three-part game plan for Christian discipline. In Part 1: Disciplines of Faith, we look at the basic Christian disciplines of embracing our purpose, knowing our doctrine, practicing our devotion, and prioritizing our church. In Part 2: Disciplines of Life, Challies gives us practical help in redeeming our time, pursuing our vocation, and controlling our sexuality. In Part 3: Disciplines of Relationship, we tackle the big responsibilities of accepting our leadership, treasuring our marriage, and nurturing our children.
This short book is less than 200 pages long, and Challies wastes no time or space with elaborate stories or trite phrases. Those familiar with his blog articles will feel comfortable with his straightforwardness, and those new to his writing will find it immensely practical. Scripture is used to back up his outlined claims and he often gives us concrete steps or examples to follow.
A Godly Man
What I appreciate most is his directness. As I have found to be typical of Challies, he is not afraid to write about taboo topics. For instance, in Chapter 12: Control Your Sexuality, he calls for men to stop masturbating, bounce your heart (not just your eyes), get accountability, surrender 100% of your sexuality to God and 100% of your sexual energy to your wife. He does not expect us to be perfect, however, so he also directs us to seek and receive forgiveness in our sexual shortcomings. He writes as a man who understands, and that allows him to be blunt in his words.
This book is not all about self-motivation and a winning-mindset. Challies reminds us that we will fail in our callings if we do not rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit. And he points us to Christ, the founder, and perfector of our faith, who is the true and better example of what it means to be a man. I come away with a greater dependence on God to help me live a life that pleases him.
Finish Strong
While I know that 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. This book will benefit men of all ages and in all stages of spiritual maturity. We must run our race and finish strong. I am reminded that every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
I was provided a free copy of Run to Win but was not required to write a positive review.
Life-Long Pursuits
In this book, blogger, author, and book reviewer Tim Challies gives us a three-part game plan for Christian discipline. In Part 1: Disciplines of Faith, we look at the basic Christian disciplines of embracing our purpose, knowing our doctrine, practicing our devotion, and prioritizing our church. In Part 2: Disciplines of Life, Challies gives us practical help in redeeming our time, pursuing our vocation, and controlling our sexuality. In Part 3: Disciplines of Relationship, we tackle the big responsibilities of accepting our leadership, treasuring our marriage, and nurturing our children.
This short book is less than 200 pages long, and Challies wastes no time or space with elaborate stories or trite phrases. Those familiar with his blog articles will feel comfortable with his straightforwardness, and those new to his writing will find it immensely practical. Scripture is used to back up his outlined claims and he often gives us concrete steps or examples to follow.
A Godly Man
What I appreciate most is his directness. As I have found to be typical of Challies, he is not afraid to write about taboo topics. For instance, in Chapter 12: Control Your Sexuality, he calls for men to stop masturbating, bounce your heart (not just your eyes), get accountability, surrender 100% of your sexuality to God and 100% of your sexual energy to your wife. He does not expect us to be perfect, however, so he also directs us to seek and receive forgiveness in our sexual shortcomings. He writes as a man who understands, and that allows him to be blunt in his words.
This book is not all about self-motivation and a winning-mindset. Challies reminds us that we will fail in our callings if we do not rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit. And he points us to Christ, the founder, and perfector of our faith, who is the true and better example of what it means to be a man. I come away with a greater dependence on God to help me live a life that pleases him.
Finish Strong
While I know that 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. This book will benefit men of all ages and in all stages of spiritual maturity. We must run our race and finish strong. I am reminded that every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
I was provided a free copy of Run to Win but was not required to write a positive review.
July 4, 2022
Very convicting, helpful guide to biblical manhood in todays society. At the end of each chapter Tim gave the hope of the gospel to spur men on to leading and running the race of the Christian life.
There are many chapters in this book that can be taken in isolation and given to men who struggle in specific areas. Love this book
There are many chapters in this book that can be taken in isolation and given to men who struggle in specific areas. Love this book
May 25, 2019
Helpful, challenging and practical. As I read the book, I found myself thinking it would would be a great book to use with a small group. With its practicality and relevance, I’d love to hear what other men are learning from the pages and how it relates to their own circumstances. Definitely recommend this book.
May 3, 2024
Must read for your men’s ministries, men’s groups, or to share amongst your friends. If you are a godly wife, give this to your husband, and give this to your sons.
September 22, 2019
An excellent little Christian book of 165 pages. Easy to read and encourages us to be, well, running in this life to win in eternity! Covering lots of things like perseverance, doctrine, guarding your health, mastering finances (but getting greed out of our lives and thinking about our best legacy). I liked the chapters on persevering and treasuring our marriages and raising children in a strong Christian way to ensure their eternal futures. Finish the race strong!
May 10, 2023
Unfortunately, this book is the Do-It-Yourself Christianity.
The number of imperative of what one “must do” it’s discouraging.
If salvation is “by grace through faith”, why why is the rest of the Christian life by works?
The author represents the life of a Christian as an overwhelming list of responsibilities. It’s true, that we resemble Christ in every area of life as we are sanctified and live according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh. No word in the book was it made clear that the source of this Chrisitan life is Christ.
The biblical example of the king, who followed God, but turned away from His ways in the end of his life can make one doubt that he’s even saved.
There’s no differentiation of the way the Holy Spirit used to work in the Old Testament, verses, the way He’s operating under the age of the church.
Unfortunately, I feel this book is designed to call out the feelings of guilt and shame as the foundation for a Christian man’s “marathon.” It’s a terrible motivator.
I would not recommend this book to anybody who is looking for the victorious Christian life. Such a
life is only possible by accepting our new nature in Christ going to Christ as the only source of strength and then living out His virtues abiding in Him.
In the book was a mere description of what a man’s life looks like, then it would be acceptable to a degree. But throughout all the book there is a call to action., i.e. the “must” and “ought.”
The number of imperative of what one “must do” it’s discouraging.
If salvation is “by grace through faith”, why why is the rest of the Christian life by works?
The author represents the life of a Christian as an overwhelming list of responsibilities. It’s true, that we resemble Christ in every area of life as we are sanctified and live according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh. No word in the book was it made clear that the source of this Chrisitan life is Christ.
The biblical example of the king, who followed God, but turned away from His ways in the end of his life can make one doubt that he’s even saved.
There’s no differentiation of the way the Holy Spirit used to work in the Old Testament, verses, the way He’s operating under the age of the church.
Unfortunately, I feel this book is designed to call out the feelings of guilt and shame as the foundation for a Christian man’s “marathon.” It’s a terrible motivator.
I would not recommend this book to anybody who is looking for the victorious Christian life. Such a
life is only possible by accepting our new nature in Christ going to Christ as the only source of strength and then living out His virtues abiding in Him.
In the book was a mere description of what a man’s life looks like, then it would be acceptable to a degree. But throughout all the book there is a call to action., i.e. the “must” and “ought.”
February 15, 2020
Excellent book!
I really loved the way Challies organized this book. More than that, his thorough use of Scripture enhanced each chapter and truly biblically supported his points. I was convicted and exhorted to run the race before me, so the book definitely accomplished its goal. I plan to return to this book often to specifically use the practical applications found at the end of each chapter.
I really loved the way Challies organized this book. More than that, his thorough use of Scripture enhanced each chapter and truly biblically supported his points. I was convicted and exhorted to run the race before me, so the book definitely accomplished its goal. I plan to return to this book often to specifically use the practical applications found at the end of each chapter.
July 28, 2023
I love Tim Challies. I regularly check in on his blog. I use his productivity system from his book Do More Better. Seasons of Sorrow was a profoundly helpful work on grief as I navigated a death in the family. This one, unfortunately, I just didn't find helpful. It contributed very little to the conversation of masculinity or discipline. It read more like a checklist than anything. There's better books out there on these topics. Love Tim, but I'd say skip this one.
May 3, 2019
Nice Little Book
Mr. Challies does a good job of reflecting on all spheres of the Christian life and how a man should live in each sphere. This book is a good refresher for the middle-aged man, but would be a nice gift for a high school graduate, college graduate, or newly married man.
Mr. Challies does a good job of reflecting on all spheres of the Christian life and how a man should live in each sphere. This book is a good refresher for the middle-aged man, but would be a nice gift for a high school graduate, college graduate, or newly married man.
September 28, 2022
Required reading for the Christian Man
I wished I had read this book 35 years ago, but alas here it is for you young Daddy’s and Husbands out there. It’s all about leaving a legacy and walking the walk of faith. I love the part that we need to sprint to the end and not falter in the last lap….Excellent.
I wished I had read this book 35 years ago, but alas here it is for you young Daddy’s and Husbands out there. It’s all about leaving a legacy and walking the walk of faith. I love the part that we need to sprint to the end and not falter in the last lap….Excellent.
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December 6, 2023I wish this book a bigger audience among Christian men. It is biblical, accessible, and clear. An addition I found refreshing was the section at the end of each chapter called, "Strength for the Race", which included gospel-rich truth to motivate and encourage men for each of the weighty tasks Challies covers.
September 13, 2019
An excellent resource for discipling young men to grow into mature and godly men. This book is clearly and specifically written to men, with a helpful breadth of subject matter to confront the whole man. I was especially pleased by the material written regarding stewardship.
February 15, 2024
Good Book on doing better in the walk for Christ. Had some good points on living to get to heaven and live the way God wants us to get there. Not a big fan of his references to sports, as a lot to the times it seems like he never heard of sports then wrote about sports.
May 17, 2019
This is an excellent book. I highly recommend it and will be encouraging all my fellow Christian brothers to read it. I will be reading it again and hope to read with my sons.
March 18, 2020
Every man needs to read this!
August 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. I think I will be giving this as a gift to the young guys in my church that are newly engaged or newly married.
August 26, 2020
It is a very straight forward book: simple and direct to the point with advise to live a real Christian life.
Sometimes it is to simple and repetitive but it is a good lecture
Sometimes it is to simple and repetitive but it is a good lecture
February 26, 2021
Great book to hand a new Christian. Not super deep, but good stuff.
May 7, 2021
3.5/4 - Fairly basic though sufficient. Lacks wisdom from other writers/thinkers or statistics so the writing comes across as static and dry.
April 5, 2024
Very good. Pointed. Helpful resource
May 21, 2024
remember
Good review of the Christian disciplines, better challenge to finish the race strong and at an all out sprint. Encouraging.
Good review of the Christian disciplines, better challenge to finish the race strong and at an all out sprint. Encouraging.
December 31, 2020
Tim Challies es de los escritores que más disfruto leer, se esfuerza por hacer de sus escritos un tratado sencillo, pero que nos recuerda el evangelio y nos anima a continuar la carrera que tenemos por delante.
Este es un libro para hombres, que estoy segura será de mucha ayuda en la carrera de la fe, en este libro encontrarán consejos para sus disciplinas de fe, disciplinas de vida, y disciplinas de relaciones.
Este es un libro para hombres, que estoy segura será de mucha ayuda en la carrera de la fe, en este libro encontrarán consejos para sus disciplinas de fe, disciplinas de vida, y disciplinas de relaciones.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews