He exhorts him to diligence in his office and patience in suffering. The
danger of the delusions of heretics.
2:1. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in Christ Jesus:
2:2. And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the
same commend to faithful men who shall be fit to teach others also.
2:3. Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2:4. No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular
businesses: that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself.
2:5. For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he
strive lawfully.
2:6. The husbandman that laboureth must first partake of the fruits.
2:7. Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things
understanding.
2:8. Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead,
of the seed of David, according to my gospel:
2:9. Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of
God is not bound.
2:10. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they
also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly
glory.
2:11. A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also
with him.
2:12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he
will also deny us.
2:13. If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he cannot deny himself.
2:14. Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord.
Contend not in words: for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of
the hearers.
2:15. Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2:16. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards
ungodliness.
2:17. And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and
Philetus:
2:18. Who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is
past already, and have subverted the faith of some.
2:19. But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal:
the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who
nameth the name of the Lord.
2:20. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of
silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some indeed unto honour, but
some unto dishonour.
2:21. If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be
a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared
unto every good work.
2:22. But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity
and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2:23. And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget
strifes.
2:24. But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild toward
all men, apt to teach, patient,
2:25. With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if
peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth;
2:26. And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil by
whom they are held captive at his will.