1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Joshua. 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. 3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Joshua. 4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. 5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules. 6 The farmer who labors must be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Master give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember Joshua Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News, 9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Joshua with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:
“For 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 also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless,
he remains faithful.
For he can’t deny himself.”
14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Master, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. 16 But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness, 17 and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. 19 However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Master knows those who are his,”
22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Master out of a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. 24 The Master’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, 25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may recover themselves out of the slanderer’s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.