2 Timothy 2:5 “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”
The Apostle Paul is discipling Timothy as he writes 2 Timothy. Timothy is struggling, so to help him (and us) understand what it takes to finish well, Paul uses some down-to-earth practical examples. For instance, he told Timothy to think of himself as a soldier in 2 Timothy 2:4-5. He reminds him that the soldier has to be single-minded for his commander and that the soldier must endure hardships. He will tell him in verse 6 about the hard-working farmer and that the work will result in a crop to be enjoyed.
Here in verse 5, the Apostle Paul uses the world of sports to teach the important lesson of living and ministering with integrity. Paul gives Timothy a beautiful word picture of athletes competing. Can you see runners standing in their starting positions awaiting the signal to run for the win, for the victory, for the prize, for the gold, for the crown? To Timothy and us, Paul says there is the absolute necessity that an athlete must compete with character to capture a crown. There cannot be any cheating!
I suspect the Apostle Paul knew very well the rules for competing in the Greek Olympics. Regarding the rules of the Greek Olympics, I read the following from HISTORY.com. “Athletes breaking the rules could be disqualified and publicly whipped, and competitors and judges found guilty of bribery could pay hefty fines, some of which were used to finance bronze statues of Zeus erected near the entrance to Olympia’s stadium. On the statue for all to see as they entered was the inscription, “Victory is to be achieved by speed of feet and strength of body, not with cash.”
From days gone by competitors were to compete with character to capture the crown! They were to compete according to the rules! The character of the champion counted!!
The Apostle Paul spoke of himself regarding running a race with integrity and stated he did not want to be disqualified. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:27 that he “disciplined” his body and brought it into subjection, lest, when he had preached to others, he should become disqualified!” The mindset of the apostle Paul needs to be our mindset!! Discipline yourself! Lead yourself first!
Years ago I heard a statement that I have tweaked just a little. It goes like this:
“Don’t expect your gifts, talents, abilities, and even past achievements to take you where your character can’t keep you.”
As you are running your race run it by laying aside the sin that ensnares you. (Hebrews 12:2)
Please take the necessary action(s) so you can compete according to the rules and complete the race God has for you!! Remember that one little mistake can bring a major loss.
For further study on this, you might consider some sports heroes who lost their crowns after it was determined they cheated.
You might consider some Christian leaders who made some very bad sinful decisions and lost their ministries.
You might consider some Biblical examples who made some very bad sinful decisions and the consequences that came.
Remember that greater men and women have fallen so always be on guard.
Continue Strong with character and integrity,
And remember to DATE The Word