2 Timothy 2:5

5 And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.

2 Timothy 2:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 2:5

And if a man also strive for masteries
In the Olympic games, by running, wrestling, leaping

yet is he not crowned;
with a corruptible, fading crown, a crown made of herbs and leaves of trees, as parsley, laurel

except he strive lawfully;
according to the laws and rules fixed for those exercises; so no man that calls himself a Christian, minister, or any other, can expect the crown of life, the prize of the high calling of God, except he runs the race set before him, in the right way; looking to Christ, the mark, pressing through all difficulties, towards the prize, and holds on and out unto the end.

2 Timothy 2:5 In-Context

3 Suffer hardship with [me], as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

5 And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.

6 The husbandmen that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things.