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

2 A nd the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

3 Y ou therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 N o one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

5 A nd also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

6 T he hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.

7 C onsider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

8 R emember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,

9 f or which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.

10 T herefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 T his is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.

12 I f we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

13 I f we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. Approved and Disapproved Workers

14 R emind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.

15 B e diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 B ut shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

17 A nd their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,

18 w ho have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

19 N evertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

20 B ut in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.

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

22 F lee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 B ut avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

24 A nd a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,

25 i n humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,

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