Chapter 2

Therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace which is in Christ Jesus;

and the things that thou hast heard from me through many witnesses, commend to trustworthy men who shall be competent in turn to teach others.

Conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

No one serving as God's soldier entangles himself in worldly affairs, that he may please him whose approval he has secured.

And again, one who enters a contest is not crowned unless he has competed according to the rules.

The farmer who toils must be the first to partake of the fruits.

Take in what I tell thee, for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things. The Thought of Christ

Remember that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and was descended from David; this is my gospel,

in which I suffer even to bonds, as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.

This is why I bear all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.

This saying is true: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;

if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we disown him, he also will disown us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. False Teachers

Recall these things to their mind, charging them in the sight of the Lord not to dispute with words, for that is useless, leading to the ruin of the listeners.

Use all care to present thyself to God as a man approved, a worker that cannot be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

But avoid profane and empty babblings, for they contribute much to ungodliness,

and their speech spreads like a cancer. Of this sort are Hymeneus and Philetus,

who have erred from the truth in saying that the resurrection has taken place already; and they are destroying the faith of some. The Faithful Servant

But the sure foundation of God stands firm, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows who are his"; and, "Let everyone depart from iniquity who names the name of the Lord."

But in a great house there are vessels not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; and some are for honorable uses, but some for ignoble.

If anyone, therefore, has cleansed himself from these, he will be a vessel for honorable uses, sanctified and useful to the Lord, ready for every good work.

But flee the cravings of youth and pursue justice, faith, charity and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Avoid also foolish and ignorant controversies, knowing that they breed quarrels.

But the servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, ready to teach, patient,

gently admonishing those who resist, in case God should give them repentance to know the truth,

and they recover themselves from the snare of the devil, to whose will they are held captive.