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Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus:

And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach others also.

Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses; that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself.

For he also that striveth for the mastery, is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

The husbandman, that laboureth, must first partake of the fruits.

Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding.

Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel.

Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer; but the word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.

11 A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him.

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.

13 If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he can not deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words, for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness.

17 And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus:

18 Who have erred from the truth, saying, that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some.

19 But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour.

21 If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.

22 But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity, and peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes.

24 But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild towards all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth,

26 And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will.

The Appeal Renewed

You then, my son,(A) be strong(B) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say(C) in the presence of many witnesses(D) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering,(E) like a good soldier(F) of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown(G) except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.(H) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,(I) descended from David.(J) This is my gospel,(K) for which I am suffering(L) even to the point of being chained(M) like a criminal. But God’s word(N) is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything(O) for the sake of the elect,(P) that they too may obtain the salvation(Q) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.(R)

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:(S)

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;(T)
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.(U)
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;(V)
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,(W)
    for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;(X) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.(Y) 16 Avoid godless chatter,(Z) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus(AA) and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,(AB) and they destroy the faith of some.(AC) 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,(AD) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”(AE) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord(AF) must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.(AG) 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.(AH)

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love(AI) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord(AJ) out of a pure heart.(AK) 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(AL) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.(AM) 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,(AN) 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,(AO) who has taken them captive to do his will.