Grace and Perseverance

¹ You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach^* others as well.

³ Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. ⁵ Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake^* of the crops. ⁷ Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, ⁹ for which I suffer to the extent of being chained^* like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!^{* 10} For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

¹¹ This is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with Him,

we will also live with Him;

¹² if we endure,

we will also reign with Him;

if we deny Him,

He will also deny us;

¹³ if we are faithless,

He remains faithful,

for He cannot deny^* Himself.

The Lord’s Approved Workman

¹⁴ Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

¹⁵ Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles^* the word of truth.

¹⁶ But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, ¹⁷ and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection^* has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.

¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation^* stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

²⁰ A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. ²¹ So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

²² Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

²³ But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. ²⁴ And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. ²⁵ He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.^*