Note 13 at 2 Tim. 2:5: The Greek word which was translated "strive for masteries" in this verse is "ATHLEO." It's the word from which we get our English word "athlete" and it literally means, "to contend in the competitive games." The NIV translates this verse as, "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules." The Today's English Version translates this verse as, "An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules." Christians need the discipline of an athlete (see note 11 in v. 3).