1Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3Therefore endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier on active service entangles himself with the affairs of civilian life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. 5And if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6The farmer who labours must be first to partake of the fruits. 7Consider what I say; and the Lord will give you understanding in all things. 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, according to my gospel, 9For which I suffer hardship, even wearing chains like a criminal; but the word of God is not in chains. 10Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the chosen, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with its eternal glory. 11This is a faithful saying: 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 will deny us: 13If we are faithless, yet he remains faithful: for he cannot deny himself. 14Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them before the Lord not to dispute about words, which is of no profit, but ruins the hearers. 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16But avoid godless and empty chatter: for it will lead people to more ungodliness, 17And their word will spread like gangrene. Among these are Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18Who have strayed from the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and thus upset the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands firm, having this seal, The Lord knows those who are his. And, Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. 20In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay; some for noble purposes, and some for ignoble. 21Therefore, if a man purifies himself from the ignoble, he shall be a vessel for noble purposes, consecrated and useful to the master, prepared for every good work. 22Flee youthful lusts: and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant controversies, knowing that they breed strife. 24And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome; but kind to all, able to teach, forbearing, 25In gentleness correcting those who oppose him; that God might grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth; 26And that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.