6 So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well.
7 God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
8 Don't be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.
9 God saved us and chose usto be his holy people.We did nothingto deserve this,but God planned itbecause he is so kind.Even before time beganGod planned for Christ Jesusto show kindness to us.
10 Now Christ Jesus has cometo show us the kindnessof God.Christ our Saviour defeated deathand brought usthe good news.It shines like a lightand offers lifethat never ends.
11 My work is to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.
12 That's why I am suffering now. But I am not ashamed! I know the one I have faith in, and I am sure that he can guard until the last day what he has trusted me with.