3 aSuffer hardship with me, as a good bsoldier of cChrist Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service aentangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone acompetes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 aThe hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Understand what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, arisen from the dead, of the bseed of David, caccording to my gospel, 9 for which I aendure hardship even to bchains as a ccriminal. But dthe word of God ehas not been chained. 10 For this reason aI endure all things for bthe sake of the elect, cso that they also may obtain the dsalvation, which is in eChrist Jesus, with feternal glory. 11 aIt is a trustworthy saying:
For bif we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12 If we endure, awe will also reign with Him;
If we bwill deny Him, He also will deny us;
13 If we are faithless, aHe remains faithful, for bHe cannot deny Himself.
Accurately Handle the Word of Truth
14 Remind them of these things, solemnly acharging them in the presence of God not to bdispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to apresent yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling bthe word of truth.