2 Timothy 2:5

c.

As an athlete 2 Timothy 2:5

Text 2:5

5 And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.

Thought Questions 2:5

74.

Isn-'t there a rather abrupt change from 2 Timothy 2:4 to 2 Timothy 2:5? Is there any connecting thought?

75.

What games does Paul have in mind?

76.

What is the purpose of such an analogy?

77.

What is the crown of the contest?

78.

Paul does not say the man will be crowned if he has won, but rather if he has contended lawfully. Why this emphasis?-'

Paraphrase 2:5

5 And also, if one contend in the Grecian games, he is not crowned unless he contend according to the laws of the combat. As little can thou expect to be rewarded, unless thou fulfill thy ministry in the manner prescribed by Christ.

Comment 2:5

2 Timothy 2:5. The element of reward is the point of emphasis in this illustration for Christian service. The connective is the reference to the rules. There are rules in the army and there are rules in athletics. The prize is given to those who keep the rules. This thought pre-supposes the contender would excel in the contest. But even when excelling, rigid rules must be observed. How does this relate to the preacher? There are three qualities of character to be found in the man of God: (1) as a soldier, willingness to suffer; (2) as an athlete, willingness to discipline himself; (3) as a farmer, patience for the harvest,

Absolute self-discipline is taught by the example of the Greek athlete, Instances have been produced where the athlete swore under oath that he had practiced ten months before the games (Lock).
Please notice that there is only one participator in this contest, Each is contending by himself, against himself, and the established record,

What are the rules for the contest of the faith? They are set up by the Lord Jesus. Our Lord condemned sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3); i.e., He demonstrated perfect self-discipline, The weapons used by our Lord, in His self-control, are open to all of us, Prayer, meditation, and fasting are yet the greatest needs of the present day self-indulgent, instead of self-disciplined, minister,

Fact Questions 2:5

55.

What is the point of emphasis in the illustration of 2 Timothy 2:5?

56.

Is there some connection between the illustration of the soldier and the athlete? If so, explain.

57.

Something more than excellence in contending is required before a crown is given. What is it? How does this relate to the preacher?

58.

What is meant by the expression that Jesus condemned sin in the flesh? (Romans 8:3)

59.

What weapons shall we use in the battle of self-mastery? Are they adequate? How do we know?