2 Timothy 2:5

5 An athlete is not crowned 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 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him.

5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.