| 2:1 |
You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
| 2:2 |
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. |
| 2:3 |
You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
| 2:4 |
No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. |
| 2:5 |
Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules. |
| 2:6 |
The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. |
| 2:7 |
Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. |
| 2:8 |
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, |
| 2:9 |
in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained. |
| 2:10 |
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. |
| 2:11 |
This saying is faithful: "For if we died with him, we will also live with him. |
| 2:12 |
If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. |
| 2:13 |
If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can't deny himself." |
| 2:14 |
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. |
| 2:15 |
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. |
| 2:16 |
But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness, |
| 2:17 |
and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; |
| 2:18 |
men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. |
| 2:19 |
However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," { Numbers 16:5 } and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord { TR reads "Christ" instead of "the Lord" } depart from unrighteousness." |
| 2:20 |
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. |
| 2:21 |
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. |
| 2:22 |
Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. |
| 2:23 |
But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. |
| 2:24 |
The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, |
| 2:25 |
in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, |
| 2:26 |
and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will. |
