Pass on the message and share suffering

2 So, my child, draw your strength from the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² Take the things you heard me say in front of many other witnesses and pass them on to faithful people who are also capable of teaching others.

³ Accept your share of suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ Nobody who serves in the military gets tied up with civilian matters, so that they can please the one who recruited them. ⁵ Also in the same way, athletes don’t win unless they follow the rules. ⁶ A hardworking farmer should get the first share of the crop. ⁷ Think about what I’m saying; the Lord will give you understanding about everything.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. ⁹ This is the reason I’m suffering to the point that I’m in prison like a common criminal. But God’s word cannot be imprisoned. ¹⁰ This is why I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen by God so that they too may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. ¹¹ This saying is reliable:

Speak, instruct, and act correctly

¹⁴ Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren’t helpful and only destroy those who hear them. ¹⁵ Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly. ¹⁶ Avoid their godless discussions, because they will lead many people into ungodly behavior, ¹⁷ and their ideas will spread like an infection. This includes Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have deviated from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already happened. This has undermined some people’s faith.

¹⁹ God’s solid foundation is still standing with this sign: The Lord knows the people who belong to him,^[a] and Everyone who confesses the Lord’s name must avoid wickedness.^{[b] 20} In a mansion, there aren’t just gold and silver bowls but also some bowls that are made of wood and clay. Some are meant for special uses, some for garbage.^{[c] 21} So if anyone washes filth off themselves, they will be set apart as a “special bowl.” They will be useful to the owner of the mansion for every sort of good work.

Avoid conflict with opponents

²² Run away from adolescent cravings. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart. ²³ Avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions, since you know that they produce conflicts. ²⁴ God’s slave shouldn’t be argumentative but should be kind toward all people, able to teach, patient, ²⁵ and should correct opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will change their mind and give them a knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ They may come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap that holds them captive to do his will.