1. As for you, my son, be strong through the grace that is ours in union with Christ Jesus.
2. Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also.
3. Take your part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus.
4. A soldier on active service wants to please his commanding officer and so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life.
5. An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules.
6. The farmer who has done the hard work should have the first share of the harvest.
7. Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will enable you to understand it all.
8. Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from death, who was a descendant of David, as is taught in the Good News I preach.
9. Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not in chains,
10. and so I endure everything for the sake of God's chosen people, in order that they too may obtain the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus and brings eternal glory.
11. This is a true saying:“If we have died with him,we shall also live with him.