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then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful me who will be able to teach others also.
3 You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets himself entangled in everyday affairs, for his aim is to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Think over what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer to the point of being chained up like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we have died with Him,
we will also live with Him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with Him;
if we disown Him,
He will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
He will remain faithful,
for He cannot disown Himself.
14 Remind them of these things, and warn them before God not to quarrel about words; it is of no value, and only leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourselves to God as one approved by Him, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, and who correctly teaches the word of truth. 16 But shun irreverent and empty chatter, for it leads people in more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth, for they say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they are overturning the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows who are His”, and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness”.
20 In a large house there are not only articles of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honourable use, some for dishonourable use. 21 So if anyone cleanses him from anything dishonourable, he was be an instrument for honourable purposes, set apart as holy, and made useful to the Master and prepared for every good work.
22 Flee from the youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call of the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and stupid controversies, because you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 gently instructing those who oppose him. Perhaps God will grant them repentance, so that they may come to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape from the Devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.