So you, my ^ason, ^bbe strong constantly strengthened and empowered in the grace that is to be found only in ^cChrist Jesus. 2 The things the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry ^awhich you have heard me teach ¹in the presence of ^bmany witnesses, ^centrust as a treasure to ^dreliable and faithful men who will also be capable and ^equalified to teach others. 3 ^aTake with me your share of hardship passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure, like a good ^bsoldier of ^cChrist Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service ^agets entangled in the ordinary business affairs of civilian life; he avoids them so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. 5 And if anyone ^acompetes as an athlete in competitive games, he is not crowned with the wreath of victory unless he competes according to the rules. 6 ^aThe hard-working farmer who labors to produce crops ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Think over the things I am saying grasp their application, for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ the ever-living Lord who has ^arisen from the dead, as the prophesied King ^bdescended from David king of Israel, ^caccording to my gospel the good news that I preach, Ps 16:10 9 for that gospel I am ^asuffering even to the point of ^bwearing chains like a ^ccriminal; but ^dthe word of God ^eis not chained or imprisoned! 10 For this reason ^aI am ready to patiently endure all things for ^bthe sake of those who are the elect (God’s chosen ones) , ^cso that they too may obtain the ^dsalvation which is in ^eChrist Jesus and with it the reward of ^feternal glory. 11 ^aThis is a faithful and trustworthy saying:^bIf we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

14 Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly ^acharge them in the presence of God to avoid ^bpetty controversy over words, which does no good, and upsets and undermines and ruins the faith of those who listen. 15 Study and do your best to ^apresent yourself to God approved, a workman tested by trial who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching ^bthe word of truth. 16 But ^aavoid all ^birreverent babble and godless chatter with its profane, empty words, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with ^aHymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have deviated from the truth. They claim that ^athe resurrection has already taken place, and they undermine ^bthe faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the ^afirm foundation of God which He has laid stands sure and unshaken despite attacks, bearing this ^bseal: “^cThe Lord knows those who are His,” and, “^dLet everyone who names the name of the Lord stand apart from wickedness and withdraw from wrongdoing.” Num 16:5; Is 26:13

20 Now in a large house there are not only ¹vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and ^asome are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common) . 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from ^athese things which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified set apart for a special purpose and, useful to the Master, ^bprepared for every good work. 22 ^aRun away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, ^bfaith, love, and peace with those believers who ^ccall on the Lord ^dout of a pure heart. 23 But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant ^aspeculations useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies, since you know that they ^bproduce strife and give birth to quarrels. 24 ^aThe servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be, ^bskilled in teaching, patient and tolerant when wronged. 25 He must ^acorrect those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness ^bin the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to ^cthe knowledge of the truth accurately understanding and welcoming it, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape from ^athe trap of the devil, having been ^bheld captive by him to do his will.