Striving Lawfully
"And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." (2 Tim. 2:5)
The above statement was made by a man of God who wrote as the Holy Spirit moved his pen. As he penned these words there was within his mind a full realization that his sojourn upon the earth was soon to end and that God would shortly beckon him home. Desiring to assist Timothy in every way possible before his life is taken, he, in this chapter, encourages the young man to keep himself free from the entanglements of the world that he might please the One who had chosen him to be a soldier. He points out that to receive the plaudit and benediction of God one must "strive lawfully," that is according to the established law or constitution. The translation by Moffatt renders the verse, "Again, a competitor in the games is not crowned unless he observes the rules."
It is to be regretted that so many people who engage in sports events refuse to "strive lawfully." It was the sports events of that day to which Paul here refers. He uses those events to emphasize the necessity of going according to the rules set forth. In a high school track meet it matters not how fast one may run; if he is not complying with the rules laid down, he will not be crowned as winner! One must of necessity strive according to the rules, or, strive lawfully. It is generally known that frequently there are those who attempt to by-pass the rules and regulations. This condition exists not only in the world of sports, but also in the religious realm. Many are trying to be crowned as winner in the Christian race, but they are attempting to by-pass the rules and regulations laid down by the authorities — God the Father, and Christ His Son. Let us notice some of the attempted frauds, and frauds they are, for they are efforts to set aside the authority of the Lawgiver, to be crowned without observing the rules.
1. The rules of Christianity state plainly that one must hear the gospel. Yet some religious leaders claim that one may be saved without ever having heard the word of God. The "Law" states, "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (1 Cor. 1:21) That is what the rules say, but men endeavor to by-pass them.
2. The rules call for faith in Christ. "And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing to him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him." (Heb. 11:6) "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned." (Mk. 16:16) However, I have in my possession a statement to the effect that it is not out of harmony with the mercy of God to save the ignorant who are honest. The author of that statement is trying to evade the rules and regulations and deny the authority of Christ. He who does not believe is not "striving lawfully," hence, cannot be crowned.
3. Confession of one's faith is a necessary rule. "And with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Rom. 10:106) The divine example is recorded in Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." As we observe the confessions required by denominational preachers we are made to wonder where they go to for their "rules." Certainly not to the Bible, for nowhere in all the Book of God is there a requirement such as is demanded by denominational preachers. We ask, where is the rule that requires one to confess that "God for Christ's sake hath forgiven me of my sins?" Yet, this is just what denominational preachers are requiring, in many cases. It is not law, hence, not lawful. It cannot be lawful unless there is a law requiring it.
4. Another rule calls for genuine repentance on the part of every contestant. If one does not have deep Godly sorrow within his heart that he has sinned against God, and unless this sorrow has provoked him to change his will, thus resulting in a reformation of life, he is not striving according to the law of the Master. The rules require "All men every where to repent." (Acts 17:30-31) There are religious groups who would deny the necessity of this rule, even though the supreme authority has placed it there. The doctrine states that it is impossible for the child of God to so sin as to finally be lost in hell. If that doctrine be true, then the rule is meaningless, and one can be crowned without "striving lawfully." But the word of God is true, the rule must be complied with, and the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy is wrong.
5. Other would ignore the law of baptism. The one in whom all authority rests stated, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16) But with unmitigated gall denominational preachers will declare that "baptism is not necessary for salvation," and try to evade the force of the law of God. They desire the victor's crown, but are not willing to "strive lawfully."
What would you think of the young man who demanded the track trophy for running much faster than all the contestants though he had never entered the track arena, and had absolutely refused to be governed by the rules of the game? or the man who absolutely refuses to live according to the rules and regulations of the Christian race, and then on the day the awards are given steps forward to claim his crown? As the young man would he refused a trophy, so will the one who has never entered the Christian race, or refused to be governied by the rules of Christ, be refused a crown of life.
Every person, in the interest of his own eternal welfare, should think carefully upon the seriousness of "striving lawfully," for inspiration informs us that he who refuses to do so must dwell forever in the regions which are prepared for the devil and his angels. Opportunity is extended to each of us to come to a knowledge of the truth of God and live accordingly. Will you submit to the rules and laws of God? Will you strive lawfully? Will you come to Jesus soon?