2 Timothy 2:4

Epistle of Ignatius to Hero, a Deacon of Antioch "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier; and if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive lawfully."[11]

Cyprian Epistle LXV

For it is written: "No man that warreth for God entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him to whom he has pledged himself."[3]

Cyprian Treatise XI Exhortation to Martyrdom Addressed to Fortunatus

And again: "No man that warreth for God binds himself to anxieties of this world, that he may be able to please Him to whom he hath approved himself. Moreover, also, if a man should contend, he will not be crowned unless he have fought lawfully."[60]

Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews

Concerning this same thing to Timothy: "No man that warreth for God bindeth himself with worldly annoyances, that he may please Him to whom he hath approved himself. But and if a man should contend, he will not be crowned unless he fight lawfully."[446]