2 Timothy 2:5

5 For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he strive 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 Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses: that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself.

5 For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman that laboureth must first partake of the fruits.

7 Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding.