2 Timothy 2:5

5 An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.

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 When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did.

4 A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders.

5 An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.

6 It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce.

7 Think it over. God will make it all plain.