3 ¹⁰ But you, my son, have followed, step by step, my teaching and my manner of life, my resolution, my faith, patience, and spirit of love, and my fortitude 3 ¹¹ under persecutions and sufferings—all that I went through at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, all the persecutions I endured; and the Lord rescued me out of them all. 3 ¹² Yes, persecution will come to all who want to live a godly life as Christians, 3 ¹³ whereas wicked men and charlatans will make progress from bad to worse, deceiving and deceived. 3 ¹⁴ But for your part, stand by the truths you have learned and are assured of. Remember from whom you learned them; 3 ¹⁵ remember that from early childhood you have been familiar with the sacred writings which have power to make you wise and lead you to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 3 ¹⁶ Every inspired scripture has its use for teaching the truth and refuting error, or for reformation of manners and discipline in right living, 3 ¹⁷ so that the man who belongs to God may be efficient and equipped for good work of every kind.

4 ¹ Before God, and before Christ Jesus who is to judge men living and dead, I charge you solemnly by his coming appearance and his reign, 4 ² proclaim the message, press it home on all occasions, Or: be on duty at all times. convenient or inconvenient, use argument, reproof, and appeal, with all the patience that the work of teaching requires. 4 ³ For the time will come when they will not stand wholesome teaching, but will follow their own fancy and gather a crowd of teachers to tickle their ears. 4 ⁴ They will stop their ears to the truth and turn to mythology. 4 ⁵ But you yourself must keep calm and sane at all times; face hardship, work to spread the Gospel, and do all the duties of your calling.

4 ⁶ AS FOR ME, already my life is being poured out on the altar, and the hour for my departure is upon me. 4 ⁷ I have run the great race, I have finished the course, I have kept faith. 4 ⁸ And now the prize awaits me, the garland of righteousness which the Lord, the all-just Judge, will award me on that great Day; and it is not for me alone, but for all who have set their hearts on his coming appearance.