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2:1 You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; 2:2 and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. 2:3 Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:4 No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier's aim is to please the enlisting officer. 2:5 And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. 2:6 It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. 2:7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-- that is my gospel, 2:9 for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2:11 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; 2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself. 2:14 Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. 2:16 Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, 2:17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2:18 who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. 2:19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness." 2:20 In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. 2:21 All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. 2:22 Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2:23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, 2:25 correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 2:26 and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.