And as for you, my son, be strengthened by the grace which is in Christ Jesus
and by the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses. These things encourage faithful men, who shall then be suitable to teach others also
Labor like a good soldier of Christ Jesus
No man, acting as a soldier for God, entangles himself in worldly matters, so that he may be pleasing to him for whom he has proven himself
Then, too, whoever strives in a competition is not crowned, unless he has competed lawfully
The farmer who labors ought to be the first to share in the produce
Understand what I am saying. For the Lord will give you understanding in all things
Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the offspring of David, has risen again from the dead, according to my Gospel
I labor in this Gospel, even while chained like an evildoer. But the Word of God is not bound
I endure all things for this reason: for the sake of the elect, so that they, too, may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory
It is a faithful saying: that if we have died with him, we will also live with him
If we suffer, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful: he is not able to deny himself
Insist on these things, testifying before the Lord. Do not be contentious about words, for this is useful for nothing but the subversion of listeners
Be solicitous in the task of presenting yourself before God as a proven and unashamed worker who has handled the Word of Truth correctly
But avoid profane or empty talk. For these things advance one greatly in impiety
And their word spreads like a cancer: among these are Hymenaeus and Philetus
who have fallen away from the truth by saying that the resurrection is already complete. And so they have subverted the faith of certain persons
But the firm foundation of God remains standing, having this seal: the Lord knows those who are his own, and all who know the name of the Lord depart from iniquity
But, in a large house, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also those of wood and of clay; and certainly some are held in honor, but others in dishonor
If anyone, then, will have cleansed himself from these things, he shall be a vessel held in honor, sanctified and useful to the Lord, prepared for every good work
So then, flee from the desires of your youth, yet truly, pursue justice, faith, hope, charity, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart
But avoid foolish and undisciplined questions, for you know that these produce strife
For the servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but instead he must be meek toward everyone, teachable, patient
correcting with self-restraint those who resist the truth. For at any time God may give them repentance, so as to recognize the truth
and then they may recover from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will