2:1 You then, my child, be empowered by the favor of Anointed Jesus.

2:2 And whatever you heard from me through many witnesses, present it as evidence to trustworthy people who will be competent to teach others.

2:3 Participate in suffering as a good warrior of Anointed Jesus.

2:4 No soldier gets entangled with the everyday business of life but pleases their recruiter.

2:5 Again, if anyone competes in athletics, they won’t win the prize if they didn’t compete according to the rules.

2:6 The hard-working farmer gets a share of the produce.

2:7 Grasp what I’m saying, for the Master will give you complete understanding in all this.

2:8 Remember Jesus the Anointed, the one who was raised from the dead, of the lineage of David, according to my Gospel.

2:9 In this I am suffering to the point of being locked up like a criminal— though the Word of God is not locked up!

2:10 I endure it all for the sake of the Chosen, that they too might happen upon the salvation in Anointed Jesus with ageless honor.

2:11 This saying is trustworthy: if we died together we will live together;

2:12 if we endure we will reign together; if we renounce him he will renounce us;

2:13 if we are not faithful he remains faithful, because he cannot renounce himself.

2:14 Gently remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them before God not to engage in a war of words. This is good for nothing; in fact, it’s catastrophic for those who hear it.

2:15 Make every effort to prove yourself to God as having passed the test, an unashamed worker who cuts a straight path through the Word of Truth.

2:16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, because it gets progressively worse,

2:17 spreading like gangrene. Examples of this are Hymeneus and Philetos,

2:18 who have completely missed the mark as far as truth is concerned. They say The Resurrection has already happened, subverting the faith of some.

2:19 But the foundation of God stands solid and is sealed with this: “The Master knew his own,” and “Let all who claim the name of the Master separate themselves from injustice.”

2:20 In a large house there are not only containers of gold and silver, but also those of wood and clay; some are of great worth while others are worthless.

2:21 So whoever purges themselves from these things will be a container of great worth, having been consecrated and useful to the owner, and prepared for all kinds of good activities.

2:22 So run away from the lure of radicals, and run toward justice, faith, love, and peace, right along with those who call upon the Master from a clean heart.

2:23 But abstain from stupid and ignorant investigations which only spawn fights.

2:24 A slave of the Master doesn’t need to fight, but is kind toward all, qualified to teach, and thick-skinned.

2:25 Train them with gentleness, because God may grant a change of mind to those who resist, so that they recognize the truth.

2:26 Then they will come to their senses out from the trap of the False Accuser, who had captured them to do his bidding.