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

2 What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.

3 You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No soldier entangles himself in the affairs of this life. That way, he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

5 If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

6 The hard-working farmer should be first to receive his share of the crops.

7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. He is a descendant of David, according to my good news.

9 I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal. But the word of God is not imprisoned.

10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

11 This is a faithful saying: 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 will deny us!

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

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to argue about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

15 Be diligent to be presented approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

16 But avoid worldly and empty discussion, for it will lead to further ungodliness.

17 This kind of talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus.

18 These men have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

19 The foundation of God stands firm having this seal: »Jehovah knows those who belong to him,« and: »Everyone who names the name of Jehovah is to abstain from wickedness.«

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.

21 If anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

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

23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing they produce quarrels controversyfighting.

24 The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind gentle to all, able to teach, and patient when wronged.

25 He should instruct those who oppose using meekness. Perhaps God will give them repentance that they may know the truth.

26 They should come to their senses out of the snare of the Devil. He has taken them captive and they do his will.