2 Timothy 2:5

5 Also an athlete can't win a contest unless he competes according to the rules.

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 Accept your share in suffering disgrace as a good soldier of the Messiah Yeshua.
4 No soldier on duty gets involved with civilian affairs, since he has to please his commanding officer.
5 Also an athlete can't win a contest unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The farmer who has done the hard work should be the first to receive a share of the harvest.
7 Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will enable you to understand everything.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.