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

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

3 Share in hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in civilian affairs, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

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

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

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

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David according to my gospel,

9 for which I am suffering even to the point of wearing chains like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.

10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11 Here is a trustworthy saying: if we died with him, we will also live with him;

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;if we deny him, he also will deny us;

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful,for he cannot deny himself.

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them in the presence of God to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

16 Avoid godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

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

18 who have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and upset the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless, God's firm foundation stands, having this seal: »The Lord knows those who are his,« and, »Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.«

20 In a large house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble.

21 If anyone cleanses himself from what is ignoble, he will be a vessel for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

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

23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know that they produce quarrels.

24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient when wronged,

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

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