From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to further the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God's power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.

So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.

Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules.

So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory.

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people's faith.

So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,

For some of these insinuate themselves into households and captivate weak women who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions.

But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.

Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.

For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things.

You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your ministry.

You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words.

At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion's mouth!

The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.