4. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him.
5. And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down).
6. [It is] the hard-working farmer [who labors to produce] who must be the first partaker of the fruits.
7. Think over these things I am saying [understand them and grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything.
8. Constantly keep in mind Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied King] descended from David, according to the good news (the Gospel) that I preach. [Ps. 16:10.]
9. For that [Gospel] I am suffering affliction and even wearing chains like a criminal. But the Word of God is not chained or imprisoned!
10. Therefore I [am ready to] persevere and stand my ground with patience and endure everything for the sake of the elect [God's chosen], so that they too may obtain [the] salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with [the reward of] eternal glory.
11. The saying is sure and worthy of confidence: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
12. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny and disown and reject Him, He will also deny and disown and reject us.
13. If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself.
14. Remind [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers.
15. Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.