Chapter 2

  You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  

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  The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.  

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  You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  

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  No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.  

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  If also a man competes in the games, he is not crowned, unless he has competed by the rules.  

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  The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.  

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  Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.  

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  Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel,  

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  in which I suffer hardship to bonds, as a criminal. But God's word isn't bound.  

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

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  This saying is faithful: For if we died with him, we will also live with him.  

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  If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we will deny him, he also will deny us.  

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  If we are faithless, he remains faithful -- he can't deny himself.  

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  Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.  

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  Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.  

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  But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,  

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  and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;  

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  men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.  

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  However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.'  

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  Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor.  

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  If a man therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.  

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  Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  

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  But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.  

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  The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,  

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  in gentleness correcting those who oppose him; if perhaps God may give them repentance to the knowledge of the truth,  

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  and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.  

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