You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in al-Masih ‘Isa. 2The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of al-Masih ‘Isa. 4No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he has competed by the rules. 6The farmers who labour must be the first to get a share of the crops. 7Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
8Remember ‘Isa al-Masih, risen from the dead, of the seed of Dawud, according to my Injil, 9in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But the Word of Allah is not chained. 10Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the chosen ones, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in al-Masih ‘Isa with eternal glory. 11This saying is faithful:
If we died with him,
We will also live with him.
12If we endure,
We will also reign with him.
If we deny him,
He also will deny us.
13If we are faithless,
He remains faithful. He cannot deny himself.
14Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they do not argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
15Give diligence to present yourself approved by Allah, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. 16But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness, 17and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. 19However Allah’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,“ and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.“ 20Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honour, and some for dishonour. 21If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.
22Flee youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. 24The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, 25in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps Allah may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, 26and they may recover themselves out of the snare of Iblis, having been taken captive by him to his will.