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Daily Devotions

2 Timothy

2 Timothy 
Day 
Day 23

"If anyone competes in athletics..."

Text: 2 Timothy 2:5

EMPLOYMENT OF ANOTHER IMAGERY

The Apostle Paul employed another imagery as he sought to encourage Timothy in his life and ministry. The imagery of a soldier has its limitations. It can suggest so much and no more. Another imagery was deemed necessary.

“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not
crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”
2 Timothy 2:5

1. “And also”

a) The first imagery of being a good soldier is valid.
b) This is an additional imagery to be given due consideration.
c) Paul employed the imagery of a runner in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

 

2. “If anyone competes in athletics”

a) The word “athlete” is taken from the Greek word “athleo”.
b) Paul employed this imagery to describe a person competing in an athletic event.
c) Within the imagery (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
i) The athlete must have trained for the event.
ii) He must first be qualified to take part.
iii) He must be of some standard to enter into competitive sports.
iv) He must have exercised much discipline in the training process.
v) He must have a strong sense of motivation to run well.

 

3. “He is not crowned”

a) At the end of the race the winning athlete is crowned (with a laurel leaf).
b) Even in those days cheating at games was frowned upon.

 

4. “Unless he competes according to the rules”

a) The athlete must know the rules.
b) He must comply to the rules established.
c) These rules prevented people from resorting to using drugs to enhance performance.

 

THERE ARE NO SHORT-CUTS TO SUCCESS IN LIFE AND MINISTRY

Success in life and ministry is everyone’s dream! Timothy was reminded the way to succeed was by dint of diligent hard work! Paul identified with the imagery of a runner and fighter in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Whether a solider or an athlete desires to do well, he cannot resort to wrongdoing in the hope of taking advantage to gain the upper hand!