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You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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The things which you have heard from me amongst many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
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You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
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Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
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The farmer who labours must be the first to get a share of the crops.
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Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
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Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News,
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in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.
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Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
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This saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
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If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
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If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.”
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Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
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Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
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But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,
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and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus:
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men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
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However, God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
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Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honour and some for dishonour.
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If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.
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Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
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The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
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in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
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and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.