1Thou therefore , my son , be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus . 2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses , the same commit thou to faithful men , who shall be able to teach others also . 3Thou therefore endure hardness , as a good soldier of Jesus Christ . 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life ; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier . 5And if a man also strive for masteries , yet is he not crowned , except he strive lawfully . 6The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits . 7Consider what I say ; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things .
The Importance of Sound Teaching
8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel : 9Where in I suffer trouble , as an evil doer , even unto bonds ; but the word of God is not bound . 10Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes , that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory . 11It is a faithful saying : For if we be dead with him , we shall also live with him : 12If we suffer , we shall also reign with him : if we deny him , he also will deny us : 13If we believe not , yet he abideth faithful : he can not deny himself .
Endurance in Suffering
14Of these things put them in remembrance , charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit , but to the subverting of the hearers . 15Study to shew thyself approved unto God , a workman that needeth not to be ashamed , rightly dividing the word of truth . 16But shun profane and vain babblings : for they will increase unto more ungodliness . 17And their word will eat as doth a canker : of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus ; 18Who concerning the truth have erred , saying that the resurrection is past already ; and overthrow the faith of some . 19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure , having this seal , The Lord knoweth them that are his . And , Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity .
Avoiding Controversy and False Teaching
20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver , but also of wood and of earth ; and some to honour , and some to dishonour . 21If a man therefore purge himself from these , he shall be a vessel unto honour , sanctified , and meet for the master’s use , and prepared unto every good work . 22Flee also youthful lusts : but follow righteousness , faith , charity , peace , with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart . 23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid , knowing that they do gender strifes . 24And the servant of the Lord must not strive ; but be gentle unto all men , apt to teach , patient , 25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves ; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth ; 26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil , who are taken captive by him at his will .