2 Timothy 2:4-7

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 

anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown 
1 Corinthians 9:25  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops 
1 Corinthians 9:9-10  For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." (Deuteronomy 25:4) Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing the harvest.
1 Timothy 5:17  The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

the Lord will give you insight into all this 
1 Kings 4:29  God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.
Proverbs 16:16  How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! 
Proverbs 21:30  There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
Proverbs 23:23  Buy the truth and do not sell it--wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
Philippians 1:9-11  And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.

(parentheses are mine)

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