Be Strong

1You therefore, my [a]son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful [b]people who will be able to teach others also. 3Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not [c]crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9[d]for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of [e]those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11The statement is trustworthy:

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

12If we endure, we will also reign with Him;

If we [f]deny Him, He will also deny us;

13If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

An Unashamed Worker

14Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who [g]does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for [h]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17and their [i]talk will spread like [j]gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18men who have gone astray from the truth, claiming that the resurrection has already taken place; and they are jeopardizing the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.”

20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce [k]quarrels. 24The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, 25with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive [l]by him to do his will.