You therefore, my ^1ason, ^bbe strong in the grace that is in ^cChrist Jesus. 2 The things ^awhich you have heard from me in the presence of ^bmany witnesses, ^centrust these to ^dfaithful ¹people who will be ^eable to teach others also. 3 ^aSuffer hardship with me, as a good ^bsoldier of ^cChrist Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service ^aentangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise ^acompetes as an athlete, he is not ¹crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 ^aThe hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, ^arisen from the dead, ^bdescendant of David, ^caccording to my gospel, 9 ¹for which I ^asuffer hardship even to ^bimprisonment as a ^ccriminal; but ^dthe word of God ^eis not imprisoned. 10 For this reason ^aI endure all things for ^bthe sake of ¹those who are chosen, ^cso that they also may obtain the ^dsalvation which is in ^eChrist Jesus and with it ^feternal glory. 11 ^aThe statement is trustworthy:For ^bif we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly ^aexhort them in the presence of God not to ^bdispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. 15 Be diligent to ^apresent yourself approved to God as a worker who ¹does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling ^bthe word of truth. 16 But ^aavoid ^bworldly and empty chatter, for ¹it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their ¹talk will spread like ²gangrene. Among them are ^aHymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth, claiming that ^athe resurrection has already taken place; and they are jeopardizing ^bthe faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the ^afirm foundation of God stands, having this ^bseal: “^cThe Lord knows those who are His;” and, “^dEveryone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.”

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and ^asome are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from ^athese things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, ^bprepared for every good work. 22 Now ^aflee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, ^bfaith, love, and peace with those who ^ccall on the Lord ^dfrom a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant ^aspeculations, knowing that they ^bproduce ¹quarrels. 24 ^aThe Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, ^bskillful in teaching, patient when wronged, 25 ^awith gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, ^bif perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to ^cthe knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from ^athe snare of the devil, having been ^bheld captive ¹by him to do his will.