2:1 | You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
2:2 | And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. |
2:3 | You therefore endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. |
2:4 | No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. |
2:5 | And likewise if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. |
2:6 | The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. |
2:7 | Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. |
2:8 | Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, |
2:9 | for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not bound. |
2:10 | Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. |
2:11 | This is a faithful saying: because if we died with Him, we will also live with Him. |
2:12 | If we suffer, we will also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. |
2:13 | If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. |
2:14 | Remind them of these things, commanding them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. |
2:15 | Study to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. |
2:16 | But shun profane and vain babblings, because they will increase to more ungodliness. |
2:17 | And their word will eat like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, |
2:18 | who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. |
2:19 | Nevertheless the foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." |
2:20 | But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. |
2:21 | Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, and prepared for every good work. |
2:22 | Flee youthful lusts also; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. |
2:23 | But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. |
2:24 | And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all people, able to teach, patient, |
2:25 | in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, |
2:26 | and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. |