1 Therefore, you my son, be strengthened with the grace (and strength) that is (found) in Christ Jesus (and not your own).

 

2 And the things which you have heard (declared) from me in the presence of many witnesses, this same (grace and faith) set before faithful men (for deposit), who will then be able to teach others.

3 And thereby you share in (His) suffering (along with me), as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

 

4 No man that serves as a soldier (of Christ) entangles himself in the affairs of this life (that is perishing); so that he may please the One who has chosen him to serve as a soldier (who partakes in His incorruptible life).

 

5 And if a man also competes in a race, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully.

 

6 (So also it was fitting that Christ) the master gardener that labored must be the first partaker of the fruits.

 

7 Consider what I say, and the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

 

8 Remember that Jesus Christ (a descendant) of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel (which is not according to man’s reasoning but Christ):

 

9 Wherein I suffer hardship, (and stand accused) as an evil doer, even unto imprisonment; but the word of God (in Christ in me) is not bound.

 

10 Therefore I (am strengthened to) endure all things (through Christ and) for (Him) the elect sake (so I may stand as an example to those who will hereafter believe) so that they might also (look to His strength and) obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus in eternal glory.

 

11 This is a faithful saying (of which we can be certain): For if we be dead with Him (to the corruptible life in this world), we shall also live with Him (in the power of His endless life and bodily immortality):

 

12 Because if we suffer (with Him, being made conformable to the death that He died unto the world), we will also reign with Him (in the power of His endless life): if we deny (and reject) Him (and the life He has always desired to serve us with, for the life we can serve ourselves in the world), He will deny (that way has any ability to serve) us (with His life but only with destruction):

 

13 If we (refuse to be persuaded and) believe not, yet He abides (forever) faithful (and true): (for) He cannot deny Himself (as the only One who is able to serve us with His life that lives and abides forever immortal).

 

14 Of these things (continually) remind them, clearly laying out the testimony of the Lord, so that they will not argue about words which (arguments) have no profit but to (the destruction and) overthrow of the hearers.

 

15 With all diligence (study, giving your full attention to the faith so that you continually) show yourself (the testimony that has been fully scrutinized and) approved by God (not to justify yourself before men), a laborer that does not need to be ashamed (of the gospel), rightly (and accurately) dividing the word of truth (that profits unto eternal life).

 

16 But avoid blasphemous (illegitimate) and worthless arguments (that stand opposed to the faith of Jesus Christ): for they will only lead to more ungodliness (which is irreverence and disregard for the work of God in Christ).

 

17 And the word of the ungodly (and irreverent) will eat (and spread) like gangrene: among whom is (the word of) Hy-me-nae’ous and Phi-le-tus;

 

18 Who concerning the (word of) truth have erred, saying the resurrection (of the dead) is past already (destroying the hope) and overthrowing the faith of some (of the hearers).

 

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God (in Christ) stands sure, having this seal (and the certainty that His testimony provides), that the Lord knows those that are His (who have called upon His name). And so that (being persuaded of the hope and certainty of His life) everyone that names the name of Christ (will) depart from iniquity (and find rest from the labor to preserve their own life).

 

20 But in a great house there are both vessels of gold and silver (who have called upon the name of the Lord) but also those of wood and of earth (who look to satisfy themselves with the corruptible things of the world); some unto honor and some unto dishonor.

 

21 If any man (looks to the faith that came from the heart of the Father in Christ he will) purge himself from these (things that cannot ever serve him with honor but only with dishonor), he will be a vessel unto honor, sanctified (from death) and profitable to (the satisfaction of) the master’s will (and desire, which has always been to serve with His incorruptible life), and prepared to (walk in) every good work (which the Father has set apart for him).

 

22 (Therefore) flee also from youthful lusts (to satisfy yourself and your desire for life): but rather follow righteousness, (looking unto Jesus to fill that desire, where you allow Him to serve you with that life of) faith, love, and peace, (along) with those that call on the name of the Lord out of a pure heart (and thereby receive honor from the Father).

 

23 But foolish and ignorant questions (and meaningless debate and speculation) avoid, knowing that they do give birth to (contention and) quarrels.

 

24 And the one who serves (the word of) the Lord has no need to be quarrelsome (or contentious) but gentle toward all men, able to teach, enduring (persecution) patiently,

 

25 In humility instructing (and correcting with the word of truth) those (whose hearts stand) opposed to themselves (obtaining the life they truly desire), so that when (they see the work of) God (in Christ, He is the one that) will (persuade their heart and) give them a change in their minds (that destroys every opposition and brings repentance) unto the acknowledging of the truth;

 

26 And so that (by hearing the faith of Jesus Christ) they may regain their senses (and sound mind) where they are able to be set free from the snare of (death’s accusation which had all their lifetime held them captive to the fear of death which came from that slanderous accuser) the devil, those who (not being persuaded of the faith) are taken captive by him at his will.