2 Timothy 2:5 - By the Rules

If one competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he has competed by the rules. -- 2 Timothy 2:5, RLIV.

JESUS observed God's times and seasons and methods. He never recklessly exposed his life until from the prophets he recognized that his hour had come to be delivered into the hands of his enemies. He did not make long prayers on the street corners to be heard of men, nor exhort the multitude with noisy harangue; as the prophet indicated, He did not lift up his voice nor cry aloud in the streets. (Isaiah 42:2) He chose God's methods, which are rational and wise, and which are effective in selecting from among men the class which he desires to be heirs of the promised Kingdom. Let those who would so run as to obtain the prize, mark these footprints of the Master, and be filled more and more with His Spirit. -- Based on excerpt from "Striving Lawfully", ZWT, September 1, 1902. Reprints: R3070:5

Paul was not here telling us that each child of God should consider themselves in competition to all others who belong to Christ. Such thinking could lead one to think how he or she may be holier than others. The emphasis should be understood as being obtaining the prize "by the rules". One of the rules is that we esteem fellow believers as being better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), and another is that we have heart love for each other. (John 13:34; 15:12,17; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11,23; 4:7,11,12; 2 John 1:5) If, in our hearts, we are thinking of putting our brothers in Christ down in some way that we may exalt ourselves, we may actually be falling short of obeying the rules. -- RRD.