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 men who will also be qualified to teach others.

2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2:4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.

2:5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes 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 will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

2:14 Keep reminding them 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 workman 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 wandered away 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 noble purposes and some for ignoble.

2:21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble 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 quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

2:25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, 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.