2 Timothy 2:1-13

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace  that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me  in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful  men  who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.  Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead  and descended from David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound. This is why I endure  all things for the elect:  so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.  This saying is trustworthy:  For if we died with him,  we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign  with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.