2:1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 And entrust what you heard me say 1 in the presence of many others as witnesses 2 to faithful people 3 who will be competent 4 to teach others as well. 2:3 Take your share of suffering 5 as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please 6 the one who recruited him. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner 7 unless he competes according to the rules. 8 2:6 The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. 2:7 Think about what I am saying and 9 the Lord will give you understanding of all this. 10
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; 11 such is my gospel, 12 2:9 for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment 13 as a criminal, but God’s message 14 is not imprisoned! 15 2:10 So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, 16 that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory. 17 2:11 This saying 18 is trustworthy: 19
If we died with him, we will also live with him.
2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. 20
If we deny 21 him, 22 he will also deny us.
2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself. 23
2:14 Remind people 24 of these things and solemnly charge them 25 before the Lord 26 not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. 27 2:15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. 28