and I am suffering because of it to the point of being bound with chains like a criminal. But God’s ·teaching [message; word] is not in chains.

A Worker Pleasing to God

·Continue teaching [^LRemind them of] these things, ·warning people [^Lsolemnly testifying/declaring] in God’s presence not to ·argue [quarrel] about words. It ·does not help anyone [is good for nothing], and it ruins those who listen.

·Make every effort [Do your best; Be diligent] to ·give [present] yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve. Be a worker who ·is not ashamed [or will not be shamed] and who ·uses the true teaching in the right way [correctly handles the true message/word of truth; or holds carefully to the true message/word of truth].

But God’s strong foundation continues to stand, ·sealed [inscribed; engraved] with these words: “The Lord knows those who belong to him [Num. 16:5],” and “Everyone who ·wants to belong to [^Lnames the name of] the Lord must ·stop doing wrong [^Lturn away from wickedess/injustice].”