You therefore, my child, strengthen yourself in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things that you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.
Share with me in suffering hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the activities of daily life, so that he can please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
And also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned the winner unless he competes according to the rules.
The farmer who labors should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all these things.
Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from among the dead, who is of the seed of David—this is my good news
for which I am suffering, even to the point of being imprisoned as an evildoer, but the word of God is not imprisoned.
This is why I endure all things for the sake of the chosen ones, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with everlasting glory.
This statement is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.”
A Worker Approved by God
Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them in the sight of God not to argue about words, for that is not profitable and leads to the ruin of those who are listening.
Be diligent to present yourself approved before God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
But avoid worldly, empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
and their words will spread like gangrene. Among those are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
who have missed the mark concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are overthrowing the trust of some.
Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness.”
Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, and some are for dishonorable use.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from things that defile, he will be a vessel for honorable use, made holy, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Flee youthful passions and diligently pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
But avoid foolish and uninformed speculations, knowing that they breed fights.
And the Lord’s servant must not fight, but be gentle with everyone, skilled in teaching, patient in the midst of evil,
in meekness correcting those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
and they return to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.