Paul tells Timothy, his child, to be strong in the grace in Christ Jesus. He should pass on what he learned to faithful people who will teach others. Paul writes: You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier wants to please his commander. An athlete wins only by following the rules. The hardworking farmer should get the first share of the crops.

Paul tells him to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. Paul suffers in chains like a criminal, but God's word isn't chained. Paul shares a trustworthy saying: if we died with Him, we will also live with Him. If we endure, we will reign with Him. If we are faithless, He remains faithful.

Paul writes: Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. Timothy should avoid empty chatter. Some men, Hymenaeus and Philetus, wrongly taught that the resurrection had already happened. But God's firm foundation stands: The Lord knows those who are his. Paul tells Timothy to flee wrong desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The Lord's servant must not quarrel but be gentle toward all.

Paul writes: You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Timothy should commit what he heard to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Paul gives three pictures. A soldier on duty does not get tangled in everyday affairs, so he can please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes by the rules. The hardworking farmer must be the first to share in the crops.

Paul writes: Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David. For this Good News Paul suffers in chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained. Paul endures all things for the sake of God's chosen ones, so they may obtain salvation. Then he gives a trustworthy saying: if we died with Him, we will live with Him; if we endure, we will reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He can't deny Himself.

Paul urges Timothy to be a workman approved by God, properly handling the Word of Truth. Empty chatter spreads like gangrene, as with Hymenaeus and Philetus, who said the resurrection was already past. However, God's firm foundation stands, sealed with the words, The Lord knows those who are his. In a large house there are vessels for honor and for dishonor; whoever is cleansed will be a vessel for honor, ready for every good work. Timothy must flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle, patient, and able to teach. Perhaps God will give those who oppose him repentance, so they escape the devil's snare.