1You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will also be able to teach others. 3You therefore endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No one serving military duty entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him. 5And also if anyone competes, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully. 6The hard-working farmer should rightfully be first to partake of the crops. 7Consider what I say, and the Lord will give you understanding in all things. 8Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of bonds; but the Word of God is not bound. 10Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. 12If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 14Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to argue with empty words to no good, to the destruction of the hearers. 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. 16But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will proceed to more ungodliness. 17And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already come; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22But flee youthful lusts; and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23But avoid foolish and unlearned questionings, knowing that they generate strife. 24Besides, a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance unto a full true knowledge of the truth, 26and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.