1 S o you, my son, be strong in the loving-favor of Christ Jesus.

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 W hat 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.

And 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 T ake your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 N o soldier fighting in a war can take time to make a living. He must please the one who made him a soldier.

No 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 nyone who runs in a race must follow the rules to get the crown.

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

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

The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.

7 T hink about these things and the Lord will help you understand them.

Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

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

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

9 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.

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

10 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.

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

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

12 I f 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.

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

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

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

14 T ell 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.

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

15 D o 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.

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

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

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

17 S uch talk will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.

And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,

18 T hey 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.

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

19 B ut 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!”

Nevertheless 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 I n 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.

But 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 I f 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.

Therefore 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 T urn 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.

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

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

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

24 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.

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

25 B e 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.

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

26 T hen 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.

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