August 17

Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. — 2 Tim 2:5 BSB

In other words, striving for victory in the spiritual life isn’t just about effort; it’s about striving according to certain rules. These rules are spiritual and exclude anything rooted in our human sense, reason, or nature. A person in an unregenerate state, whether living a life of sin or even outwardly professing faith, has no true spiritual knowledge of how to overcome. They may struggle against their sinful desires and strive to improve, but they don’t receive the crown because they don’t strive lawfully. They rely on their own strength, wisdom, and righteousness. Such efforts, even if they appear successful, won’t be crowned by God because they don’t follow the rules set out in His Word. This excludes all human righteousness, wisdom, and strength, placing the crown solely on the head of the Redeemer.

Scripture lays out the rules we are to follow in our spiritual battles. For example, Jesus, the Lord of life and glory, is presented as our pattern: “He has left us an example that we should follow in His steps.” He fought and won the battle, not only for Himself but for His people. We are called to walk in His footsteps and overcome in the same way He did. As He said, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also overcame and am set down with My Father on His throne.” Therefore, all striving and overcoming that is not done in the footsteps of Christ, and in the same spirit in which He fought, will not be crowned by God.