5. Whoever enters an athletic competition wins the prize only when playing by the rules.
6. A hard-working farmer should have the first share of the crops.
7. Understand what I’m saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
8. Always think about Jesus Christ. He was brought back to life and is a descendant of David. This is the Good News that I tell others.
9. I’m suffering disgrace for spreading this Good News. I have even been put into prison like a criminal. However, God’s word is not imprisoned.
10. For that reason, I endure everything for the sake of those who have been chosen so that they, too, may receive salvation from Christ Jesus with glory that lasts forever.
11. This is a statement that can be trusted:If we have died with him, we will live with him.
12. If we endure, we will rule with him.If we disown him, he will disown us.
13. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithfulbecause he cannot be untrue to himself.
14. Remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn’t do any good but only destroys those who are listening.
15. Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn’t ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly.