4. No man, acting as a soldier for God, entangles himself in worldly matters, so that he may be pleasing to him for whom he has proven himself.
5. Then, too, whoever strives in a competition is not crowned, unless he has competed lawfully.
6. The farmer who labors ought to be the first to share in the produce.
7. Understand what I am saying. For the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
8. Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the offspring of David, has risen again from the dead, according to my Gospel.
9. I labor in this Gospel, even while chained like an evildoer. But the Word of God is not bound.
10. I endure all things for this reason: for the sake of the elect, so that they, too, may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.
11. It is a faithful saying: that if we have died with him, we will also live with him.
12. If we suffer, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.
13. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful: he is not able to deny himself.
14. Insist on these things, testifying before the Lord. Do not be contentious about words, for this is useful for nothing but the subversion of listeners.
15. Be solicitous in the task of presenting yourself before God as a proven and unashamed worker who has handled the Word of Truth correctly.