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You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
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Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
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Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.
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The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
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Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
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Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
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for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
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Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
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Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
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if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
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if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
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Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
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Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
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Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
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Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
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who have departed from truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
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Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
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In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.
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Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
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Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
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And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
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Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
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and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
