1Verse 1. You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2Verse 2. And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.
3Verse 3. Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4Verse 4. A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.
5Verse 5. Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
6Verse 6. The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.
7Verse 7. Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.
8Verse 8. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,
9Verse 9. for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
10Verse 10. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11Verse 11. This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12Verse 12. if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;
13Verse 13. if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
14Verse 14. Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
15Verse 15. Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
16Verse 16. But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
17Verse 17. and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18Verse 18. who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.
19Verse 19. Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
20Verse 20. A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.
21Verse 21. So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
22Verse 22. Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23Verse 23. But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
24Verse 24. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
25Verse 25. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
26Verse 26. Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.