1 YOU, therefore, my child, must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

2 and the things you heard from me, which came through many witnesses, you must commit to trustworthy men who will be able to teach others also.

3 Take your share of hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No one while serving as a soldier entangles himself in the affairs of life, for the soldier must please him who enlisted him.

5 And if any one enters an athletic contest, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

6 The farmer who does the labor ought first to have his share of the fruits.

7 Think over what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight in all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David, as my good news teaches.

9 In telling it I am suffering hardships even to chains, as if I were an evildoer, but God's message is not chained.

10 For this reason I am enduring all for the sake of the chosen, that they may gain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 Trustworthy is the saying, "For if we have died with him we shall also live with him;

12 if we endure we shall also be kings with him; if we disown him, he will disown us;

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he cannot disown himself."

14 Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to engage in controversy to no profit, but to the ruin of the hearers.

15 Be earnest in presenting yourself to God as a tested man, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, rightly handling the message of truth.

16 But shun profane and empty talk. It will grow into greater impiety,

17 and its teachings will spread like a gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort.

18 They have gone astray as to the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they are overthrowing the faith of some.

19 However, God's solid foundation stands, with this inscription, "The Lord knows his own," and, "Let every one who names the Lord's name turn from wickedness."

20 In a great house there are not only utensils of gold and silver, but also of wood and earthenware, and some are for honorable and others for dishonorable uses.

21 If any one keeps himself pure from these errors, he will be ready for honorable use, holy, fit for the master's service, prepared for every good work.

22 But flee the passions of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, in the company of those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 Avoid foolish disputes of the uneducated, knowing that they give rise to quarrels,

24 and the servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be courteous to all, skillful in teaching, forbearing,

25 instructing opponents with gentleness, for God may give them a change of heart which will lead them to knowledge of the truth,

26 and they may return to soberness and escape the snare of the Devil when captured by the Lord's servant to do the Lord's will.