[1] You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, [2]
and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful
men who will be able to teach others also. [3] Share in suffering as a good
soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No soldier on service gets entangled in
civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him.
[5] An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
[6] It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the
crops. [7] Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding
in everything. [8] Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended
from David, as preached in my gospel, [9] the gospel for which I am
suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not
fettered. [10] Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect,
that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.
[11] The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with
him; [12] if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he
also will deny us; [13] if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he
cannot deny himself. [14] Remind them of this, and charge them before the
Lord to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the
hearers. [15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a
workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
[16] Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more
ungodliness, [17] and their talk will eat its way like gangrene. Among them
are Hymenae'us and Phile'tus, [18] who have swerved from the truth by
holding that the resurrection is past already. They are upsetting the faith
of some. [19] But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The
Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of
the Lord depart from iniquity." [20] In a great house there are not only
vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for
noble use, some for ignoble. [21] If any one purifies himself from what is
ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to
the master of the house, ready for any good work. [22] So shun youthful
passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those
who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. [23] Have nothing to do with
stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. [24]
And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an
apt teacher, forbearing, [25] correcting his opponents with gentleness. God
may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, [26]
and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by
him to do his will.
