4. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
5. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
6. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
7. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
8. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.
9. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.
10. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11. This is a trustworthy saying:If we die with him,we will also live with him.
12. If we endure hardship,we will reign with him.If we deny him,he will deny us.
13. If we are unfaithful,he remains faithful,for he cannot deny who he is.
14. Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
15. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
16. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.
17. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
18. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.