3Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.

5And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.

6And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.

7Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

8Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.

9And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.

10So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

11This is a trustworthy saying:

14Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

19But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”2:19a Num 16:5. and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”2:19b See Isa 52:11.

20In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.

21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

22Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

23Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

24A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

25Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

26Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.