2:1  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2:2  The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2:3  Suffer hardship with {me,} as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2:4  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

2:5  Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

2:6  The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

2:7  Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

2:8  Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,

2:9  for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.

2:10  For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus {and} with {it} eternal glory.

2:11  It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

2:12  If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

2:13  If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

2:14  Remind {them} of these things, and solemnly charge {them} in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless {and leads} to the ruin of the hearers.

2:15  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

2:16  But avoid worldly {and} empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,

2:17  and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

2:18  {men} who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

2:19  Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His, and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.""

2:20  Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.

2:21  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these {things,} he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

2:22  Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love {and} peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

2:23  But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

2:24  The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,

2:25  with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

2:26  and they may come to their senses {and escape} from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.