2 Timothy 2:5

“And if a man also strive for masteries, etc.] In the Olympic games, by running, wrestling, leaping, etc. yet is he not crowned; with a corruptible, fading crown, a crown made of herbs and leaves of trees, as parsley, laurel, etc. 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.”

“And--"Moreover." strive for masteries--"strive in the games" [ALFORD]; namely, the great national games of Greece. yet is he not crowned, except--even though he gain the victory. strive lawfully--observing all the conditions of both the contest (keeping within the bounds of the course and stript of his clothes) and the preparation for it, namely, as to self-denying diet, anointing, exercise, self-restraint, chastity, decorum, &c. (Co1 9:24-27).”

“And if a man also strive for masteries - As in the Grecian games. See this favorite illustration of Paul explained in the notes at 1 Corinthians 9:24 ff. Yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully - In conformity with the rules of the games. See Grotius, in loc. No one could obtain the prize unless he had complied with all the laws of the games, and had thus given to those with whom he contended, a fair opportunity to succeed. “In those contests, he who transgressed the rules in the least matter, not only failed of the prize, even though the apparent victor, but was sometimes disgraced and punished.” Pictorial Bible. So the apostle here represents the Christian minister as engaged in a…”

“strive: Luk 13:24; Co1 9:24-27; Phi 1:15; Col 1:29; Heb 12:4 is he: Ti2 4:7, Ti2 4:8; Heb 2:7, Heb 2:9; Jam 1:12; Pe1 5:4; Rev 2:10, Rev 3:11, Rev 4:4, Rev 4:10 2 Timothy 2:6”