The Appeal Renewed

2 You then, my son,u be strongv in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me sayw in the presence of many witnessesx entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering,y like a good soldierz of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crowna except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.b 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,c descended from David.d This is my gospel,e 9 for which I am sufferingf even to the point of being chainedg like a criminal. But God’s wordh is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everythingi for the sake of the elect,j that they too may obtain the salvationk that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.l

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:m

If we died with him,

we will also live with him;n

12 if we endure,

we will also reign with him.o

If we disown him,

he will also disown us;p

13 if we are faithless,

he remains faithful,q

for he cannot disown himself.