5. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6. The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.
7. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8. Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead and descended from David. This is according to my gospel.
9. I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound.
10. This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11. This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12. if we endure, we will also reign with Him;if we deny Him, He will also deny us;
13. if we are faithless, He remains faithful,for He cannot deny Himself.
14. Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.
15. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.
16. But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.
17. And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them.
18. They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some.
19. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, andEveryone who names the name of the Lordmust turn away from unrighteousness.