1So then, my child, let the grace that is in Christ Jesus make you strong.
2You have heard my teaching confirmed by many witnesses. Now, pass these truths on to reliable men who will be able to teach others as well.
3As a good soldier of Christ Jesus, you must be ready to suffer for what is right.
4No soldier on active duty gets involved in civilian affairs; he wants to please the commanding officer who recruited him.
5Similarly, an athlete cannot win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.
6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the harvest.
7Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8Remember Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach,
9for which I am suffering, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.
10Because of this, I patiently endure everything for the sake of God's chosen people, so that they too may receive the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, along with eternal glory.
11This saying is true: “If we died with him, we will also live with him.
12If we patiently endure, we will also rule with him. If we say we don’t know him, he will also say he doesn’t know us.
13Even if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, because he cannot deny who he is.”
14Remind everyone of these things. Tell them in the presence of the Lord not to argue about words. Such arguments are useless and only harm those who listen.
15Work hard to present yourself to God as someone approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, correctly explaining the word of truth.
16But stay away from godless, empty talk, because those who engage in it will become more and more ungodly,
17and their words will spread like a dangerous infection. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples of this;
18they have strayed from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already happened, and they are undermining the faith of some people.
19Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from evil."
20In a large house, there are not only valuable utensils made of gold and silver, but also common ones made of wood and clay. Some are used for special occasions, and others for everyday tasks.
21If someone cleans himself up from these things, he will be a special dish, set apart, useful to the master, and ready for every good work.
22Run away from the desires that tempt young people. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who sincerely call on the Lord.
23Don’t get involved in foolish and ignorant arguments, because you know they lead to quarrels.
24The Lord’s servant must not fight; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient.
25He should gently correct those who oppose him. Perhaps God will allow them to change their minds and fully understand the truth,
26so they can escape the devil’s trap, since he has captured them to do his will.