¹ You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

² The things you heard from me among many witnesses, entrust them to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.

³ Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

⁴ No soldier serves while entangled in the affairs of this life, so that he may please his superior officer.

⁵ Also, if someone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes by the rules.

⁶ It is necessary that the hardworking farmer receive his share of the crops first.

⁷ Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, from David's seed, who was raised from the dead. This is according to my gospel message,

⁹ for which I am suffering to the point of being bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.

¹⁰ Therefore I endure all things for those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

¹¹ This is a trustworthy saying: "If we have 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 unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."

¹⁴ Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no reason to be ashamed, who accurately teaches the word of truth.

¹⁶ Avoid profane talk, which leads to more and more godlessness.

¹⁷ Their talk will spread like cancer. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

¹⁸ who have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already happened, and they destroy the faith of some.

¹⁹ However, the firm foundation of God stands. It has this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his" and "Everyone who names the name of the Lord must depart from unrighteousness."

²⁰ In a wealthy home, there are not only containers of gold and silver. There are also containers of wood and clay. Some of these are for honorable use, and some for dishonorable.

²¹ If someone cleans himself from dishonorable use, he is an honorable container. He is set apart, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

²² Flee youthful lusts. Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a clean heart.

²³ But refuse foolish and ignorant questions. You know that they give birth to arguments.

²⁴ The Lord's servant must not quarrel. Instead he must be gentle toward all, able to teach, and patient.

²⁵ He must in meekness educate those who oppose him. God may perhaps give them repentance for the knowledge of the truth.

²⁶ They may become sober again and leave the devil's trap, after they have been captured by him for his will.