2 Timothy 2:5

Exhortation To Be Strong In Grace

⁴ No soldier on active duty, gets himself involved in the affairs of civilian life, so that he can please the person who enlisted him [i.e., his commanding officer]. ⁵ And if a person competes as an athlete, he is not awarded the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ [And] the farmer who works hard should be the first one to receive a share of the crops.

According to the Law

No

Luke 13:24

"You should try hard to enter [God's kingdom] by means of the narrow door, for I tell you, many people will try to enter it but will not be able to.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that [although] everyone runs in a race, only one person wins the prize? So, you should run in order to win.

Philippians 1:15

Some people, indeed, are proclaiming Christ out of envy and strife [i.e., out of rivalry], while others do it from goodwill.

Colossians 1:29

This is the reason that I work hard and struggle also, using God's mighty power which is at work in me.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment].

Hebrews 2:7

You made him a little bit lower than the angels [i.e., a little less exalted]. [Note: Although these Psalms passages referred to mankind, they are here applied to Jesus. See verse 9]. You crowned him with splendor and honor {{some ancient manuscripts add "and placed him as ruler over what you made"}}.

Hebrews 2:9

But we do see Jesus, who was made a little bit lower than the angels [i.e., by suffering death as a human being], and was crowned with splendor and honor because He suffered death. It was by God's unearned favor that He would experience death for every person.

Hebrews 12:4

You have not yet resisted to the point of [shedding] blood in your struggle against sin.

James 1:12

The person who perseveres under trials is blessed, because when he has been approved by God, he will receive the crown of [never ending] life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

1 Peter 5:4

And when the Supreme Shepherd [i.e., Jesus] comes back, you will receive [for your effort] a glorious crown [of reward] that will never fade away [Note: The idea of "fading away" is suggested by the laurel wreath bestowed on the winner of an athletic contest].

Revelation 2:10

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life.

Revelation 3:11

I am coming soon [or, suddenly. See 2:16, 25; 3:3]. Hold on firmly to what you have [i.e., opportunity, obedience, steadfastness, etc.] so that no one takes away your crown [See 2:10].

Revelation 4:4

And around God's throne there were twenty-four [other] thrones, with twenty-four elders sitting on them. [Note: These "elders" are generally considered to represent all the saved of both covenants. The number twenty-four is thought to be derived from the twelve patriarchs and the twelve apostles]. They were dressed in white clothing and had golden crowns on their heads.

Revelation 4:10

[then] the twenty-four elders fall down in front of Him who sits on His throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. And they will throw their crowns in front of the throne and say,