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1 You, then, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you heard from me before many witnesses, entrust to faithful people who will also be able to teach others. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the affairs of life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The farmer who labors ought to be the first to share in the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 For this reason I endure everything for the sake of the chosen ones, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 The saying is trustworthy:
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 too will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
14 Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them before the Lord not to battle over words, which is of no use and ruins those who hear. 15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid profane empty talk, for those who engage in it will advance further in ungodliness, 17 and their word will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have missed the mark concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and overturn the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless God's firm foundation stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee youthful desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. 24 The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle toward everyone, able to teach, patient under mistreatment, 25 correcting those who oppose him with gentleness; perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the devil's snare, having been captured by him to do his will.