Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Conditions of service

2 So, then, my child: you must be strong in the grace which is in Messiah Jesus. ² You heard the teaching I gave in public; pass it on to faithful people who will be capable of instructing others as well. ³ Take your share of suffering as one of Messiah Jesus’ good soldiers. ⁴ No one who serves in the army gets embroiled in civilian activities, since they want to please the officer who enlisted them. ⁵ If you take part in athletic events, you don’t win the crown unless you compete according to the rules. ⁶ The farmer who does the work deserves the first share of the crops. ⁷ Think about what I say; the Lord will give you understanding in everything.