2
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 things
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 duty
entangles himself
in the affairs
of life, that
he may please him
who enrolled him
as a soldier.
5 Also,
if anyone competes
in athletics, he isn’t
crowned unless he
has competed by
the rules.
6 The
farmer who labors
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 offspring
of David,
according to my
Good News,
9 in
which I suffer
hardship to the
point of chains
as a criminal.
But God’s
word isn’t chained.
10 Therefore
I endure all
things for the
chosen ones’ sake,
that they also
may obtain the
salvation which is
in Christ Jesus
with eternal glory.
11 This
saying is
trustworthy:
“For 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 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 it will
go further
in ungodliness,
17 and
those words
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 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.
21 If
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.
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
toward all, able
to teach, patient,
25 in
gentleness correcting
those who oppose
him. Perhaps God
may give them
repentance leading
to a full
knowledge of
the truth,
26 and
they may recover
themselves out of
the devil’s snare,
having been taken
captive by him
to do his
will.