2 Timothy 2:5

5 Whoever enters an athletic competition wins the prize only when playing by 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 Join me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 Whoever serves in the military doesn't get mixed up in non-military activities. This pleases his commanding officer.

5 Whoever enters an athletic competition wins the prize only when playing by the rules.

6 A hard-working farmer should have the first share of the crops.

7 Understand what I'm saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.