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No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
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And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
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The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
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Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
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Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
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for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
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Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
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This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
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If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
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If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
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Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
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Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
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And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
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who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
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Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
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But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
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Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
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Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
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And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
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in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
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and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.