Be Strong

1 You therefore, my 1ason, bbe strong in the grace that is in cChrist Jesus.

2 The things awhich you have heard from me in the presence of bmany witnesses, centrust these to dfaithful men who will be eable to teach others also.

3 aSuffer hardship with me, as a good bsoldier of cChrist Jesus.

4 No soldier in active service aentangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

5 Also if anyone acompetes as an athlete, he 1does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

6 aThe hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, arisen from the dead, bdescendant of David, caccording to my gospel,

9 1for which I asuffer hardship even to bimprisonment as a ccriminal; but dthe word of God eis not imprisoned.

10 For this reason aI endure all things for bthe sake of those who are chosen, cso that they also may obtain the dsalvation which is in eChrist Jesus and with it feternal glory.

11 aIt is a trustworthy statement:

For bif we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

12 If we endure, awe will also reign with Him;

If we 1bdeny Him, He also will deny us;

13 If we are faithless, aHe remains faithful, for bHe cannot deny Himself.

An Unashamed Workman

14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly acharge them in the presence of God not to bwrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

15 Be diligent to apresent yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling bthe word of truth.

16 But aavoid bworldly and empty chatter, for 1it will lead to further ungodliness,