5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules.
5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
5 An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.
5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:1-7
(Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7)
As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active, spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We must do the will of God, before we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and stir them up to consider what they hear or read.