Be Strong in the Grace of Christ

1You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.

5And if a man also competes as an athlete, yet is he not crowned, unless he strives lawfully.

6The farmer that labors must be first partaker of the fruits.

7Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things.

8Remember that Jesus Christ, descended from David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

9In which I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Study the Word of Truth for God's Approval

14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the ruin of the hearers.

15Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16But shun profane and vain utterances: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.

21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and fit for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23But foolish and ignorant questions avoid, knowing that they do produce strifes.

24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25In meekness instructing those that oppose them; if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.