Dual Panel1You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace [that is] in Christ Jesus,
2and [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.
3Suffer together with [me] as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4No one who serves as a soldier is entangled in the activities of [everyday] life, so that he may please the one who enlisted [him].
5And also if anyone competes he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6The farmer who works hard must [be] the first to receive a share of the crops.
7Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will grant you understanding in all [these things].
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David according to my gospel,
9in connection with which I suffer misfortune to the point of _imprisonment_ as a criminal, but the word of God is not bound.
10Because 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.
11The saying [is] trustworthy: For if we died with [him], we will also live with [him];
12if we endure, we will also reign with [him]; if we deny [him], he also will deny us;
13if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, _because he cannot deny himself_ .
14Remind [people] of these [things], solemnly urging [them] before God not to dispute about words. [This is] in no way beneficial [and leads to] the ruin of the hearers.
15Make 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.
16But avoid pointless chatter, for it will progress to greater ungodliness,
17and their message _will spread_ like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18who have deviated concerning the truth [by] saying the resurrection has already taken place, and they are upsetting the faith of some.
19However, the solid foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who names the name of the Lord must abstain from unrighteousness.
20Now in a great house [there] are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthenware [ones], some of which [are] for honorable use, and some of which [are] for ordinary use.
21Therefore, if someone cleanses himself from these [things], he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
22But flee from youthful desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, [and] peace, in company with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.
23But avoid foolish and uninformed controversies, [because you] know that they produce quarrels.
24And the slave of the Lord must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, skillful in teaching, tolerant,
25correcting those who are opposed with gentleness, [seeing] whether perhaps God may grant them repentance to a knowledge of the truth,
26and they will come to their senses again [and escape] from the trap of the devil, being held captive by him to [do] his will.