2 Timothy 2:5. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
No man could hope to obtain the reward in the ancient games of running, leaping, boxing or wrestling, unless he complied with the regulations which were prescribed; first, in the necessary previous training (see note on 1 Cor. 9:25, #190) and then in the conduct of the games. He must “strive lawfully.” Thus the apostle says in 1 Corinthians 9:24: “So run, that ye may obtain.” That is, keep all the rules if you wish to succeed. It is thought by some that Paul also refers to these rules of the games when he says, in 1 Corinthians 9:26. “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly.” That is, I have a knowledge of all the rules which regulate the race, and I know what I am engaged in.