A Good Soldier of Christ
YOU therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that you have heard from me through many witnesses, the same entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore, endure affliction, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 ¶ No man that serves as a soldier, entangles himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 And also, if a man competes as an athlete; he is not crowned, except he compete according to the rules.
6 The farmer that labours, must be first to partake in the harvest.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things.
8 ¶ Remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, from the seed of David according to my gospel:
9 Wherein I endure affliction as an evil doer, to the point of bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 ¶ This is a faithful saying: For if we died with him, we will also live with him:
12 If we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, he remains faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Those of Honour and Dishonour
14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord as witness, that they do not dispute about words to no benefit, but only to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker having no need to be ashamed, opening the way to the word of truth.
16 And shun worldly and empty talk: for it will increase to even greater ungodliness.
17 ¶ And their word will spread as does cancer: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have wandered away, saying that the resurrection has already taken place; and overthrown the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: The Lord knows those that are his. And, Let every one that calls on the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 ¶ Now in a great house are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honour, made holy, and valuable for the master’s use, and made ready to every good work.
22 ¶ Flee also youthful desires: and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and uninformed disputes shun, knowing that they do beget conflict.
24 And the bond-servant of the Lord must not fight; but be gentle to all men, able to teach, patient of evil,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; it might be, that God grant them repentance into the knowledge of the truth;
26 And that they might come to their senses, out from the snare of the devil, whom are now taken captive by him, at his will.