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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
entrusted to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
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Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs -
he wants to please his commanding officer.
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Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive
the victor's crown unless he competes 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 obtan 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 will remain faithful, fot he cannot disown himself.
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Keep reminding them 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 workman 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 amd more ungodly.
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Theor teaching will spread likr gangrene.
Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
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who have wandered away from the 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 noble purposes and some for ignoble.
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If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble
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, 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 quarrel;
instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
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Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, 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.
