Be Strong in Grace

2 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace^(A) that is in Christ Jesus. ² And what you have heard from me^(B) in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful^(C) men who will be able to teach others also.

³ Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.^{(D) 4} No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. ⁵ Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.^{(E) 7} Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

⁸ Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead^(F) and descended from David. This is according to my gospel. ⁹ I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. ¹⁰ This is why I endure^(G) all things for the elect:^(H) so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^{(I) 11} This saying is trustworthy:^(J)

An Approved Worker

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, charging them before God^[a] not to fight about words;^(M) this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.^{(N) 16} But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.^{(O) 17} And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus^(P) and Philetus are among them. ¹⁸ They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place,^(Q) and are overturning the faith of some.^{(R) 19} Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription:^(S)

²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls,^(W) but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable^[c] use, some for dishonorable.^{[d](X) 21} So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,^[e] he will be a special^[f] instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.^(Y)

²² Flee^(Z) from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,^(AA) along with those who call on the Lord^(AB) from a pure heart. ²³ But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s^(AC) slave must not quarrel,^(AD) but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[g] and patient, ²⁵ instructing his opponents with gentleness.^(AE) Perhaps God will grant them repentance^(AF) leading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap,^(AG) having been captured by him to do his will.^(AH)