1Do you then, my son, strengthen you heart in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. 2The teachings which you have heard from me, attested by many witnesses, deliver into the keeping of faithful men, who in their turn will be able to teach others also. 3Take your share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4A soldier in active service avoids entangling himself in the every- day affairs of life, so that he may please his commander. 5And again, an athlete is not crowned unless he obeys the rules of the game. 6The farmer who has done the work should be the first to get a share of the crop. 7Reflect on what I am telling you. The Lord will give you understanding in everything.¶ 8Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, has been raised from the dead according to the gospel I proclaim. 9For preaching it I am suffering, and am even put in chains as a malefacter. 10But God’s message is no prisoner. That is why I endure everything for the sake of the chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11Faithful is the saying. "If we have died with him, we shall also live with him. 12If we endure suffering, we shall also reign with him. If we disown him, he too will disown us. 13If we prove faithless. he abides faithful, for he cannot be false to himself."¶ 14Always call these truths to men’s mind; adjuring them in the presence of God to avoid controversy. It is a useless thing, and subverts those who listen to it. 15Strive earnestly to present yourself unto God, tested and proved worthy by trial, a workman unashamed, ever cutting a straight path for the message of the truth. 16but avoid profane babble; for people will go farther and farther in impiety, 17and their teaching will spread like a gangrene. 18Among such are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have gone astray concerning the truth by declaring that the resurrection is already past; and they are undermining the faith of some.¶ 19Nevertheless God’s firm foundation stands unshaken, bearing this inscription, THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS, and this also, LET EVERY ONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF THE LORD RENOUNCE WICKEDNESS. 20Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for noble, some for ignoble uses. 21If then a man keeps himself clear of these latter, he will be a vessel for honor, consecrated, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.¶ 22Flee from the passions of youth, but run after righteousness, faith, love, and peace, in company with those who out of a pure heart call upon the Lord. 23Ever shun foolish and puerile discussions, for you know that they lead to quarrels. 24The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be kind to all men; a skilful teacher, patient of wrong. 25He must be gentle when instructing opponents; for possibly God may give them a change of mind for the recognition of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses again, and escape the snare of the devil, as they are restored to life by God to do his will.¶