Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in  Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by  many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy  people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering  along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get  tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the  officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless  they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to  enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord  will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus  Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is  the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am  suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God  cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring  salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.