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2 Timothy 2:5
In 2 Timothy 2:3–4 the Apostle Paul compares being a Christian to that of a soldier and the need to keep focus on the task at hand and not be distracted by the ways of this world. In 2 Timothy 2:5 Paul compares being a Christian to being an athlete and the need to follow the rules to obtain the crown/prize. Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 (NKJV), “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”
This is a command to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and obey His teachings as a Christian.
To obey the rules; to win the crown; to keep our focus on the task is to be disciplined as Christians, and this takes work, just as an athlete trains his mind and body for the sport in which he participates, the Christian must train in the word of God and practice following/train himself to become more and more knowledgeable and disciplined in his calling. The Apostle Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 9:26–27, “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” As Paul teaches others how to follow in the ways of the Lord, he wants to make sure that he too is following what he has been taught from God’s Holy Spirit working in his life.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to realize and understand that as we seek to follow Your will for our lives, that we must discipline ourselves to read our Bible every day; to spend time in prayer with You every day; and to practice what we learn from You each day. We must discipline ourselves to follow You and grow in our relationship with You – In Christ. Please help us to let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.