³ I thank God, whom I serve with a clean conscience as my ancestors did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. ⁴ When I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I remember your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it also lives in you.

Guard the Gospel

⁶ For this reason I am reminding you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For God did not give us a timid spirit, but a spirit of power and love and sound judgment. ⁸ So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Instead, join with me in suffering for the gospel while relying on the power of God. ⁹ He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, ¹⁰ and it has now been revealed through the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.