Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, a worker having no need to be ashamed, guiding the word of truth along a straight path.

and [the things] which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these [things] to faithful people who will be competent to teach others also.

But flee from youthful desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, [and] peace, in company with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.

You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace [that is] in Christ Jesus,

And the slave of the Lord must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, skillful in teaching, tolerant,

However, the solid foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who names the name of the Lord must abstain from unrighteousness."

Suffer together with [me] as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

And also if anyone competes he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

The farmer who works hard must [be] the first to receive a share of the crops.

Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will grant you understanding in all [these things].

But avoid pointless chatter, for it will progress to greater ungodliness,

in connection with which I suffer misfortune to the point of {imprisonment} as a criminal, but the word of God is not bound.

Therefore, if someone cleanses himself from these [things], he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David according to my gospel,

Now in a great house [there] are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthenware [ones], some of which [are] for honorable use, and some of which [are] for ordinary use.

correcting those who are opposed with gentleness, [seeing] whether perhaps God may grant them repentance to a knowledge of the truth,

Remind [people] of these [things], solemnly urging [them] before the Lord not to dispute about words. [This is] in no way beneficial [and leads to] the ruin of the hearers.

The saying [is] trustworthy: For if we died with [him], we will also live with [him];

and their message {will spread} like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

if we endure, we will also reign with [him]; if we deny [him], he also will deny us;

and they will come to their senses again [and escape] from the trap of the devil, being held captive by him to [do] his will.

who have deviated concerning the truth [by] saying the resurrection has already taken place, and they are upsetting the faith of some.

if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful--{he cannot deny himself}.

But avoid foolish and uninformed controversies, [because you] know that they produce quarrels.

No one who serves as a soldier is entangled in the activities of [everyday] life, so that he may please the one who enlisted [him].

Because of this, I endure all [things] for the sake of the chosen, in order that they also may obtain salvation [which is] in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.