1. You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
2. 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.
3. Suffer together with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4. 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.
5. And also if anyone competes he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6. The farmer who works hard must be the first to receive a share of the crops.
7. Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will grant you understanding in all these things.
8. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David according to my gospel,
9. in connection with which I suffer misfortune to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but the word of God is not bound.
10. 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.
11. The saying is trustworthy: For if we died with him, we will also live with him;
12. if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13. if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful—he cannot deny himself.
14. 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.
15. 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.