Chapter 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 amongst 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 labours 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 honour and some for dishonour.
21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these , he will be a vessel for honour , 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 . 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 .