2:1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2:2 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.

2:3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2:4 No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

2:5 If also a man competes in the games, he is not crowned, unless he has competed by the rules.

2:6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.

2:7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel,

2:9 in which I suffer hardship to bonds, as a criminal. But God`s word isn`t bound.

2:10 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.

2:11 This saying is faithful: 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 -- he can`t deny himself.

2:14 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.

2:15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn`t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

2:16 But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,

2:17 and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

2:18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.

2:19 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."

2:20 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.

2:21 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.

2:22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.

2:24 The Lord`s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,

2:25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him; if perhaps God may give them repentance to the knowledge of the truth,