that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. 002:005 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules. 002:006 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. 002:007 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 002:008 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, 002:009 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained. 002:010 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. 002:011 This saying is faithful: "For if we died with him, we will also live with him. 002:012 If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. 002:013 If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can't deny himself." 002:014 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. 002:015 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. 002:016 But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness, 002:017 and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 002:018 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. 002:019 However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his,"{Numbers 16:5} and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord{TR reads "Christ" instead of "the Lord"} depart from unrighteousness." 002:020 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 honor, and some for dishonor. 002:021 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work. 002:022 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 002:023 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. 002:024 The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, 002:025 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, 002:026 and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will. 003:001 But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come.