2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. |
3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. |
5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. |
6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. |
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, descended from David. This is my gospel, |
9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. |
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. |
11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
|
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
|
13 if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself. |
14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. |
