• 1. You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
  • 2. The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
  • 3. You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
  • 4. No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
  • 5. Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
  • 6. The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.
  • 7. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
  • 8. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News,
  • 9. in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained.
  • 10. Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
  • 11. This saying is faithful: "For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
  • 12. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
  • 13. If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can't deny himself."
  • 14. Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
  • 15. Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
  • 16. But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
  • 17. and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
  • 18. men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
  • 19. However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his,"{Numbers 16:5} and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord{TR reads "Christ" instead of "the Lord"} depart from unrighteousness."
  • 20. Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor.
  • 21. If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.
  • 22. Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
  • 23. But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
  • 24. The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
  • 25. in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
  • 26. and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.