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¹ YOU, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.² And the things which you have heard from me by many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.³ Therefore endure hardships, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.⁴ No man can be a soldier, and also entangle himself with the things of this life; if he would please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.⁵ And if a man also strive for mastery in contest, he is not crowned except he compete lawfully.⁶ The husbandman who labors should be the first to be sustained by the fruits.⁷ Perceive these things: and may our LORD give you wisdom in all things.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ who rose from the dead; he who was a descendant from David according to my gospel:⁹ Because of him I suffer hardship, even to bonds like a malefactor; but the word of God is not restricted.¹⁰ Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Jesus Christ, with eternal glory.¹¹ This is a true saying: For if we die with him, we shall also live with him:¹² If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:¹³ But if we believe not in him, yet he will still remain faithful; for he cannot deny himself.

¹⁴ You should keep these things in remembrance, as a testimony before our LORD, that the faithful should not argue over words in which there is no profit but which are destruction to those who listen to them.¹⁵ Strive to conduct yourself perfectly before God, as a soldier without reproach and one who preaches straightforwardly the word of truth.¹⁶ Shun empty and worthless words, for they only increase the ungodliness of those who argue over them.¹⁷ And their word will be like a canker eating in many: such are Hy-me-n''us, and Phile''tus,¹⁸ Who have strayed from the truth, saying that the resurrection of the dead is already passed, thus destroying the faith of some.

¹⁹ Nevertheless the foundation of God stands firm, having this seal, The LORD knows those who are his, and he will save from iniquity every one who calls upon the name of the LORD.²⁰ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; some for formal use on occasions of honor and others for service.²¹ If therefore a man purifies himself from these things, he will become like a vessel pure for honor, worthy of the master''s use, and ready for every good work.

²² Keep away from all the lusts of youth: and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on our LORD with a pure heart.²³ Keep away from foolish disputes which do not educate, you know they cause strife.²⁴ A servant of our LORD must not quarrel; but be gentle to all men, apt at teaching and patient,²⁵ So that he may discipline gently those who argue against him; and perhaps God will grant them repentance and they will know the truth:²⁶ And come to themselves, and be saved from the trap of Satan, by whom they have been trapped to his will.