Be Strong in Grace

1You, therefore, my son, be strong in the gracea that is in Christ Jesus. 2And what you have heard from meb in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithfulc men who will be able to teach others also.

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

8Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the deadf and descended from David. This is according to my gospel. 9I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. 10This is why I endureg all things for the elect:h so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.i 11This saying is trustworthy:j

For if we have died with Him,k

we will also live with Him;

12if we endure, we will also reignl with Him;

if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

13if we are faithless, He remains faithful,

for He cannot deny Himself.

An Approved Worker

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

The Lord knows those who are His,u, v and

Everyone who names the namew of the Lord

must turn away from unrighteousness.x

20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls,y but also those of wood and clay, some for honorablez use, some for dishonorable.aa, ab 21So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,ac he will be a specialad instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.ae

22Fleeaf from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,ag along with those who call on the Lordah from a pure heart. 23But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. 24The Lord’sai •slave must not quarrel,aj but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,ak and patient, 25instructing his opponents with gentleness.al Perhaps God will grant them repentanceam leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 26Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap,an having been captured by him to do his will.ao