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.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
11 This is a sure thing: If we die with him, we'll live with him;
11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him.
(Read 2 Timothy 2:8-13)
Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment; but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in, or for, the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this world, its pleasures, profits, and honours, we shall be for ever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's salvation.
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
12 If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him; If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us;
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
(Read 2 Timothy 2:8-13)
Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment; but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in, or for, the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this world, its pleasures, profits, and honours, we shall be for ever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's salvation.
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.