Treasure in Jars of Clay

⁷ But we have this treasure in ^(A)jars of clay, ^(B)to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. ⁸ We are ^(C)afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but ^(D)not forsaken; ^(E)struck down, but not destroyed; ^10 (F)always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, ^(G)so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹² So ^(H)death is at work in us, but life in you.

¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be ^(A)content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and ^(B)hunger, abundance and ^(C)need. ¹³ I can do all things ^(D)through him who strengthens me.

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 You then, ^(A)my child, ^(B)be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, ² and ^(C)what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses ^(D)entrust to faithful men,^{[a] (E)}who will be able to teach others also. ^3 (F)Share in suffering as ^(G)a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No soldier ^(H)gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. ^5 (I)An athlete is not ^(J)crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ It is ^(K)the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.