A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ

21 Thou therefore, my child, be strong in the grace which [is] in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things thou hast heard of me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, such as shall be competent to instruct others also. 3 Take thy share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one going as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who has enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And if also any one contend [in the games], he is not crowned unless he contend lawfully. 6 The husbandman must labour before partaking of the fruits. 7 Think of what I say, for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ raised from among [the] dead, of [the] seed of David, according to my glad tidings, 9 in which I suffer even unto bonds as an evil-doer: but the word of God is not bound. 10 For this cause I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which [is] in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The word [is] faithful; for if we have died together with [him], we shall also live together; 12 if we endure, we shall also reign together; if we deny, he also will deny us; 13 if we are unfaithful, he abides faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

An Approved Workman

14 Of these things put in remembrance, testifying earnestly before the Lord not to have disputes of words, profitable for nothing, to the subversion of the hearers. 15 Strive diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth. 16 But profane, vain babblings shun, for they will advance to greater impiety, 17 and their word will spread as a gangrene; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 [men] who as to the truth have gone astray, saying that the resurrection has taken place already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19 Yet the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, [The] Lord knows those that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of [the] Lord withdraw from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If therefore one shall have purified himself from these, [in separating himself from them], he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work.

22 But youthful lusts flee, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and senseless questionings avoid, knowing that they beget contentions. 24 And a bondman of [the] Lord ought not to contend, but be gentle towards all; apt to teach; forbearing; 25 in meekness setting right those who oppose, if God perhaps may sometime give them repentance to acknowledgment of [the] truth, 26 and that they may awake up out of the snare of the devil, [who are] taken by him, for his will.

The Character of Men in the Last Days

31 But this know, that in [the] last days difficult times shall be there; 2 for men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, evil speakers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, profane, 3 without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, of unsubdued passions, savage, having no love for what is good, 4 traitors, headlong, of vain pretensions, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 having a form of piety but denying the power of it: and from these turn away. 6 For of these are they who are getting into houses, and leading captive silly women, laden with sins, led by various lusts, 7 always learning, and never able to come to [the] knowledge of [the] truth. 8 Now in the same manner in which Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, thus these also withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, found worthless as regards the faith. 9 But they shall not advance farther; for their folly shall be completely manifest to all, as that of those also became.

Paul's Last Charge to Timothy

10 But thou hast been thoroughly acquainted with my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings: what [sufferings] happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra; what persecutions I endured; and the Lord delivered me out of all. 12 And all indeed who desire to live piously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But wicked men and juggling impostors shall advance in evil, leading and being led astray. 14 But thou, abide in those things which thou hast learned, and [of which] thou hast been fully persuaded, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; 15 and that from a child thou hast known the sacred letters, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which [is] in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture [is] divinely inspired, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work.