1 So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus. 2 Take what you heard me say in front of many witnesses and share it with those who are trustworthy, who then can teach others as well. 3 Suffer together with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 A soldier on active duty doesn't get caught up in the business of everyday life. He wants to please the one who enlisted him. 5 Similarly athletes who compete in the games don't win a prize if they don't keep to the rules. 6 The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop. 7 Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.

8 Focus your mind on Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was raised from the dead. This is my good news, 9 and I'm suffering imprisonment because of it as if I were a criminal—but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 Despite all this I'm willing to keep on going for the sake of God's people* so that they may gain the salvation of Christ Jesus that is eternal glory. 11 This is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we keep going, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us. 13 If we are not trustworthy, he is still trustworthy, for he cannot be untrue to himself.”

14 This is what you should remind people about, telling them before God that they shouldn't have meaningless arguments over words. To do this only harms those who listen.

15 Make sure you work hard so you can present yourself to God and gain his approval. Be a worker that doesn't need to be embarrassed, using the word of truth correctly. 16 Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God. 17 Their teachings are as destructive as gangrene that destroys healthy flesh. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this. 18 They have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already happened, which has ruined some people's trust in God.

19 But God's solid, trustworthy foundation stone stands firm, with this inscription, “The Lord knows those who belong to him,” and “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord should stay away from all that is evil.”† 20 A stately home doesn't just have cups and bowls‡ made of gold and silver. It also has ones made from wood and clay. Some are made for special use; others for more commonplace functions. 21 So if you get rid of what is evil, you will become a cup or bowl that is holy and special, useful to the Lord, ready to do all that's good.

22 Run away from anything that fires up the desires of youth. Run after what is right and trustworthy, run after love and peace along with those who are true and pure Christians. 23 Avoid foolish and childish debates, for you know they only lead to fights. 24 For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient, 25 gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth. 26 In this way they may come to their senses and escape the devil's trap. For he has captured them and made them do whatever he wants.