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1My son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2You’ve heard me teach things in front of many witnesses. Pass them on to people you can trust, and then they’ll be able to teach others also.
3Like a good soldier of Christ Jesus, join with me in suffering.
4A soldier doesn’t take part in things that don’t have anything to do with the army. Instead, they try to please their commanding officer.
5It’s the same for anyone who takes part in a sport. They don’t receive the winner’s crown unless they play by the rules.
6The farmer who works hard should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
7Think about what I’m saying, and the Lord will help you understand what it all means.
8Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, and who was from David’s family line. That’s the good news I preach,
9and I’m suffering for it like a criminal in these chains. But God’s word isn’t being held back by chains.
10So I put up with everything for the good of God’s chosen people, so that they also can be saved through Christ Jesus, with glory that will last forever.
11Here’s a saying you can trust:
If we died with him,
we’ll also live with him.
12If we endure,
we’ll also rule with him.
If we say we don’t know him,
he’ll say he doesn’t know us.
13But even if we’re not faithful,
he’ll still be faithful,
because he must always be true to himself.
14Keep reminding God’s people about these things. Warn them in the presence of God not to argue about words. Those arguments don’t have any value. All they do is destroy everyone who listens to them.
15Do your best to please God. Be a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, one who handles the message of truth correctly.
16Stay away from godless chatter. Those who take part in it will become more and more ungodly.
17Their teaching will spread like a deadly infection. Hymenaeus and Philetus are two of those teachers.
18They’ve turned away from the truth. They’re saying the resurrection of the dead has already happened, and they’re destroying the faith of some people.
19But God’s solid foundation stands firm, with this message written on it: “The Lord knows who his own people are.” Also, “All those who say that they believe in the Lord must stop doing wrong.”
20In a wealthy home there are things made out of gold and silver as well as things made out of wood and clay. Some are used for special occasions like dinner parties, and others are used for the dirtier jobs.
21If someone stays away from dirty things, then they’ll be available for special purposes. They’ll stand out as different, and the Master will be able to use them for anything.
22So stay away from the bad things that young people often want. Try hard to do what’s right and to have faith, love, and peace. Do these things together with all those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
23But don’t have anything to do with arguing. It’s foolish. You know it only leads to fights.
24Anyone who serves the Lord must not be difficult to get along with. Instead, they must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and not hold anything against anybody.
25If anyone opposes them, they must correct them gently, hoping that God will give them a change of heart and lead them to know the truth.
26That way they may come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap, since he has taken them as prisoners to do what he wants.