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2 Timothy 2:5 (WEB)
Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

Catechism · 2

§1264Article 1 · The Sacrament of BaptismRead at vatican.va
“Indeed, "an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."” — Catechism footnote: 2 Tim 2:5.

§1544Article 6 · The Sacrament of Holy OrdersRead at vatican.va
“Everything that the priesthood of the Old Covenant prefigured finds its fulfillment in Christ Jesus, the "one mediator between God and men."” — Catechism footnote: 2 Tim 2:5.

Origen, Against Celsus VI.44Book VI
“…some part of the universe, and to appoint a training-school of virtue, wherein those must exercise themselves who would desire to recover in a “lawful manner” the possession (which they had lost); in order that being tested, like gold in the fire, by the wickedness of these, and having exerted themselves to the…” — editor's note: Cf. 2 Tim. ii. 5.
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Origen, Against Celsus VIII.56Book VIII
“For “no one will be crowned,” unless here upon earth, with this body of humiliation, “he strive lawfully.”” — editor's note: 2 Tim. ii. 5.
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Gregory of Nyssa, Against Eunomius III.1Book III
“If, when a man “strives lawfully,” he finds a limit to his struggle in the contest by his adversary’s either refusing the struggle, and withdrawing of his own accord in favour of his…” — editor's note: 2 Tim. ii. 5.
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Cyprian of Carthage, Exhortation to Martyrdom, Addressed to Fortunatus Chapter 9
“Moreover, also, if a man should contend, he will not be crowned unless he have fought lawfully.”” — editor's note: 2 Tim. ii. 4, 5.
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Cyprian of Carthage, Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews III.12Book III
“But and if a man should contend, he will not be crowned unless he fight lawfully.”” — editor's note: 2 Tim. ii. 4, 5.
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Augustine of Hippo, Of the Work of Monks Chapter 16
“For he that striveth for masteries, is not crowned except he strive lawfully.”” — editor's note: 2 Tim. ii. 3–6
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Ambrose of Milan, On the Duties of the Clergy I.36Book I
“This is the true fortitude which Christ’s warrior has, who receives not the crown unless he strives lawfully.” — editor's note: 2 Tim. ii. 5.
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Gregory of Nazianzus, Orations Oration 21
“Ye who have the things of the Spirit, receive Himself in addition, that ye may not only strive, but strive lawfully, which is the condition of your crown.” — editor's note: 2 Tim. ii. 5.
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John Cassian, The Institutes V.12Book V
““One who strives in the games is not crowned unless he has contended lawfully.”” — editor's note: 2 Tim. ii. 5.
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