Remember Jesus Christ

1You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7Understand what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.

8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel, 9[†]for which I endure hardship even to chains as a criminal. But the word of God has not been chained. 10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11It is a trustworthy saying:

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

12If we endure, we will also reign with Him;

If we will deny Him, He also will deny us;

13If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Accurately Handle the Word of Truth

14Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16But avoid godless and empty chatter, for [†]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17and their word will spread like [†]gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “THE [†]LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS,” and, “EVERYONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF THE [†]LORD is to DEPART FROM WICKEDNESS.”

20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of clay, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work. 22Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce [†]quarrels. 24And the Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive [†]by him to do his will.