And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.
Be strengthened in grace, not as a permission to sloth, but as a command to shake off the flesh's sluggishness. Even the most gifted lose heart midway unless they are constantly aroused and reminded that their strength comes not from themselves but from Christ.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Timothy 2:1-26
Verse 5. And if a man also strive for masteries. As in the Grecian games. See this favourite illustration of Paul explained , seq. Yet is he not crowned except he strives lawfully. In conformity with the rules of the games. See Grotius, in loc.
And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (3) The third admonition: the ministry is similar to a game in which men strive for the victory, and no man is crowned, unless he strive according to the laws which are prescribed, be they ever so hard and painful.