1 Y ou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

So you, my son, be strong in the loving-favor of Christ Jesus.

2 T he things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

What you have heard me say in front of many people, you must teach to faithful men. Then they will be able to teach others also.

3 S uffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 N o soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

No soldier fighting in a war can take time to make a living. He must please the one who made him a soldier.

5 A lso if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

Anyone who runs in a race must follow the rules to get the crown.

6 T he hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

A hard-working farmer should receive first some of what he gathers from the field.

7 C onsider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Think about these things and the Lord will help you understand them.

8 R emember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,

Remember this! Jesus Christ, Who was born from the early family of David, was raised from the dead! This is the Good News I preach.

9 f or which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.

I suffer much and am in prison as one who has done something very bad. I am in chains, but the Word of God is not chained.

10 F or this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

I suffer all things so the people that God has chosen can be saved from the punishment of their sin through Jesus Christ. Then they will have God’s shining-greatness that lasts forever.

11 I t is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

These things are true. If we die with Him, we will live with Him also.

12 I f we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

If we suffer and stay true to Him, then we will be a leader with Him. If we say we do not know Him, He will say He does not know us.

13 I f we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. An Unashamed Workman

If we have no faith, He will still be faithful for He cannot go against what He is. Foolish Talk

14 R emind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

Tell your people about these things again. In the name of the Lord, tell them not to argue over words that are not important. It helps no one and it hurts the faith of those who are listening.

15 B e diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Do your best to know that God is pleased with you. Be as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of. Teach the words of truth in the right way.

16 B ut avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,

Do not listen to foolish talk about things that mean nothing. It only leads people farther away from God.

17 a nd their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

Such talk will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.

18 m en who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

They have turned from the truth. They say the dead have already been raised. The faith of some people has been made weak because of such foolish talk.

19 N evertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “ The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “ Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”

But the truth of God cannot be changed. It says, “The Lord knows those who are His.” And, “Everyone who says he is a Christian must turn away from sin!”

20 N ow in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.

In a big house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are of more use than others. Some are used every day.

21 T herefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

If a man lives a clean life, he will be like a dish made of gold. He will be respected and set apart for good use by the owner of the house.

22 N ow flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Turn away from the sinful things young people want to do. Go after what is right. Have a desire for faith and love and peace. Do this with those who pray to God from a clean heart.

23 B ut refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

Let me say it again. Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue. It can only lead to trouble.

24 T he Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,

A servant owned by God must not make trouble. He must be kind to everyone. He must be able to teach. He must be willing to suffer when hurt for doing good.

25 w ith gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

Be gentle when you try to teach those who are against what you say. God may change their hearts so they will turn to the truth.

26 a nd they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Then they will know they had been held in a trap by the devil to do what he wanted them to do. But now they are able to get out of it.