Chapter Text
2:1 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2:2 And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
2:3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2:4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
2:5 And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
2:6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
2:7 Understand what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel,
2:9 for which I endure hardship even to chains as a criminal. But the word of God has not been chained.
2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
2:11 It is a trustworthy saying: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we will deny Him, He also will deny us;
2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
2:14 Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.
2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2:16 But avoid godless and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
2:17 and their word will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
2:18 who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.
2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to depart from wickedness.”
2:20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of clay, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work.
2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
2:24 And the Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth,
2:26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.