2 Timothy 2:5

5 Also an athlete who takes part in a contest must obey all the rules in order to win.

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 Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 A soldier wants to please the enlisting officer, so no one serving in the army wastes time with everyday matters.

5 Also an athlete who takes part in a contest must obey all the rules in order to win.

6 The farmer who works hard should be the first person to get some of the food that was grown.

7 Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you the ability to understand everything.