2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
2:3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2:4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
2:5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.
2:6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
2:7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
2:9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
2:11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
2:14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2:16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
2:17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
2:18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
2:19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
2:20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.
2:21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2:23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
2:24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
2:25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
2:26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.