1 Y ou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 T he 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 Y ou therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 N o soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

5 A lso, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

6 T he farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.

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

8 R emember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News,

9 i n which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.

10 T herefore 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 T his saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him.

12 I f we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.

13 I f we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself.”

14 R emind 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 G ive diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

16 B ut shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,

17 a nd those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 m en who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.

19 H owever God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

20 N ow 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 I f 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 F lee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 B ut refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.

24 T he Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,

25 i n gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,

26 a nd they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.