Be Strong in Grace

2 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace p that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And what you have heard from me q in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful r men who will be able to teach others also.

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. s 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. t 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead u and descended from David. This is according to my gospel. 9 I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. 10 This is why I endure v all things for the elect: w so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. x 11 This saying is trustworthy: y

For if we have died with Him, z

we will also live with Him;

12 if we endure, we will also reign a with Him;

if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful,

for He cannot deny Himself.