1So you, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2You have heard my teaching in front of many witnesses. Pass it on to faithful people who will be able to teach others too.
3So bear hardship, like a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4No one serving as a soldier gets tangled up in the business of everyday life. He wants to please the one who chose him to be a soldier.
5And if someone competes in the games, he is not given the crown unless he competes by the rules.
6The farmer who works hard should be the first to share in the crops.
7Think about what I am saying. May the Lord give you understanding in everything.
8Remember Jesus Christ. He came from the family of David, and he was raised from the dead. This is my gospel.
9Because of it I suffer trouble, even chains, as if I were a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.
10So I endure everything for the sake of those God has chosen. Then they too will obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11Here is a saying you can trust: If we died with him, we shall also live with him.
12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.
13If we do not believe, he still stays faithful. He cannot deny himself.
14Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before the Lord not to fight about words. It does no good at all, and it ruins those who listen.
15Work hard to show yourself approved by God, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, one who rightly divides the word of truth.
16But keep away from empty, godless chatter. It will only lead people further into ungodliness.
17Their talk will spread like a spreading sore. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them.
18They have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already happened, and they overturn the faith of some.
19Yet God's foundation stands firm. It has this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his." And, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ turn away from wickedness."
20In a large house there are not only dishes of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are for honourable use, and some for dishonourable use.
21So if anyone cleans himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honourable use. He will be made holy, useful to the master, and ready for every good work.
22Run away from the desires of youth. Follow righteousness, faith, love and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23Avoid foolish and ignorant arguments. You know that they breed quarrels.
24The Lord's servant must not quarrel. He must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient.
25He must correct those who oppose him, and do it gently. Perhaps God will give them repentance, so that they come to know the truth.
26Then they may escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.