1 Y ou therefore, my child, be strengthened 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 among many witnesses, commit the same 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 Y ou therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

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

4 N o soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled 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 in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

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

6 T he farmers who labor must be the first to get a 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, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

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

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

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

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 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.

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 T his saying is trustworthy: “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. He can’t deny himself.”

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, 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.

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 G ive diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly 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 shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,

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

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

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

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

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 vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for 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 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.

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 F lee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of 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 questionings, knowing that they generate strife.

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 servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,

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 i n gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full 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 recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to 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.