1 Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou, therefore, work hard as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And also if anyone contends in public contest, he is not crowned, except he contends legitimately. 6 The husbandman, in order to receive the fruits, must first work hard. 7 Understand what I say, that the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead, according to my gospel, 9 in which I suffer trouble, like unto an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they may also obtain the saving health which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 This is a faithful word: That if we are dead with him, we shall also live with him; 12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are unfaithful, yet he remains faithful; he cannot deny himself.
14 Counsel these things, charging them before the Lord. Strive not in words that profit nothing, but rather subvert the hearers. 15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But avoid profane and vain wordiness, for it will develop into ungodliness. 17 And that word will eat away as gangrene, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past and have overthrown the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows those that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and likewise some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man, therefore, purges himself from these things, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and profitable for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unwise questions refuse, knowing that they do beget contentions. 24 That the slave of the Lord should not be contentious, but be meek unto everyone, apt to teach, patient, 25 that with meekness they might teach those that resist, if God peradventure will grant unto them that they might repent and know the truth, 26 and that they may become converted out of the snare of the devil, in which they are captive to do his will.