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Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

And the things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, commit thou the same to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.

Endure thou therefore hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man who warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

And if also a man strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned unless he strive lawfully.

The husbandman who laboreth must be the first partaker of the fruits.

Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel,

wherein I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even unto bonds. But the Word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be 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 believe not, yet He abideth faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness,

17 and their word will eat as doth a canker — among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

18 who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrowing the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal: “The Lord knoweth those who are His,” and, “Let every one who nameth 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 earth, and some to honor and some to dishonor.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared for every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they engender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not engender strife, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 in meekness instructing those in opposition. Perhaps God will give them repentance, that they may acknowledge the truth,

26 and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The Appeal Renewed

You then, my son,(A) be strong(B) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say(C) in the presence of many witnesses(D) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering,(E) like a good soldier(F) of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(G) except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.(H) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,(I) descended from David.(J) This is my gospel,(K) for which I am suffering(L) even to the point of being chained(M) like a criminal. But God’s word(N) is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything(O) for the sake of the elect,(P) that they too may obtain the salvation(Q) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.(R)

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:(S)

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;(T)
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.(U)
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;(V)
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,(W)
    for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;(X) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.(Y) 16 Avoid godless chatter,(Z) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus(AA) and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,(AB) and they destroy the faith of some.(AC) 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,(AD) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”(AE) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord(AF) must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.(AG) 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.(AH)

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love(AI) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord(AJ) out of a pure heart.(AK) 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(AL) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.(AM) 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,(AN) 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,(AO) who has taken them captive to do his will.