Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Timothy 2:5-8

"And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowded, except he have contended lawfully. The husbandmen that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits. Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:" — 2 Timothy 2:5-8 (ASV)

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to My gospel:

The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of the glorious temple of truth, the keystone of the arch of revelation. Paul tells us, in that great chapter, 1 Corinthians 15, how hopeless our case would be if Christ was not raised from the dead; but he also proves most conclusively that he was raised the third day, according to the Scriptures.