2 Timothy 2:5

5 and if also any one may strive, he is not crowned, except he may 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 thou, therefore, suffer evil as a good soldier of Jesus Christ;

4 no one serving as a soldier did entangle himself with the affairs of life, that him who did enlist him he may please;

5 and if also any one may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully;

6 the labouring husbandman it behoveth first of the fruits to partake;

7 be considering what things I say, for the Lord give to thee understanding in all things.