[1] You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ
Jesus. [2] The 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]
You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4]
No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may
please him who enrolled him as a soldier. [5] If also a man competes in the
games, he is not crowned, unless he has competed by the rules. [6] The
farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. [7]
Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
[8] Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David,
according to my gospel, [9] in which I suffer hardship to bonds, as a
criminal. But God`s word isn`t bound. [10] Therefore I endure all things
for the elect`s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in
Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [11] This saying is faithful: For if we
died with him, we will also live with him. [12] If we endure, we will also
reign with him. If we will deny him, he also will deny us. [13] If we are
faithless, he remains faithful -- he can`t deny himself. [14] Remind 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]
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn`t
need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. [16] But shun
empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness, [17] and their
word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; [18]
men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is
already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. [19] However 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] Now in a great 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] If a man 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] Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue
righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out
of a pure heart. [23] But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing
that they generate strife. [24] The Lord`s servant must not quarrel, but be
gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, [25] in gentleness correcting
those who oppose him; if perhaps God may give them repentance to the
knowledge of the truth, [26] and they may recover themselves out of the
devil`s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.