2 Timothy 2
1 So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
Do you, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus;
2 Take what you heard me say in front of many witnesses and share it with those who are trustworthy, who then can teach others as well.
and the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses, these do you commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Suffer together with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Do you, therefore, suffer evil, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 A soldier on active duty doesn't get caught up in the business of everyday life. He wants to please the one who enlisted him.
Every one that serves as a soldier keeps himself free from the business of this life, that he may please him that has chosen him to be a soldier.
5 Similarly athletes who compete in the games don't win a prize if they don't keep to the rules.
And if any one also contend in the public games, he is not crowned, unless he contend according to the laws.
6 The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop.
It is necessary that, the farmer should labor, before he partakes of the fruits.
7 Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.
Consider what I say, for I pray that the Lord may give you understanding in all things.
8 Focus your mind on Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was raised from the dead. This is my good news,
Remember that Jesus Christ, of the posterity of David, was raised from the dead, according to my gospel;
9 and I'm suffering imprisonment because of it as if I were a criminal—but the word of God is not imprisoned.
in which I suffer evil, as an evil-doer, even to bonds: but the word of God is not bound.
10 Despite all this I'm willing to keep on going for the sake of God's people so that they may gain the salvation of Christ Jesus that is eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)
For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)
11 This is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with him, we will also live with him;
Assuredly true is the saying: If indeed we have died with him, we shall also live with him;
12 if we keep going, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us.
if we are patient, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 If we are not trustworthy, he is still trustworthy, for he cannot be untrue to himself.”
if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful: he can not deny himself.
14 This is what you should remind people about, telling them before God that they shouldn't have meaningless arguments over words. To do this only harms those who listen.
Put them in mind of these things, charging them before the Lord that they dispute not about words to no profit, which disputes end in the overthrow of the hearers.
15 Make sure you work hard so you can present yourself to God and gain his approval. Be a worker that doesn't need to be embarrassed, using the word of truth correctly.
Strive to present yourself to God as approved, a workman that has no cause to be ashamed, rightly setting forth the word of truth.
16 Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God.
But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will make further advance to ungodliness,
17 Their teachings are as destructive as gangrene that destroys healthy flesh. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.
and their word will eat as a gangrene: of whom are Hymenæus and Philetus,
18 They have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already happened, which has ruined some people's trust in God.
who, as it respects the truth, have erred, saying that the resurrection has already taken place; and they overthrow the faith of some.
19 But God's solid, trustworthy foundation stone stands firm, with this inscription, “The Lord knows those who belong to him,” and “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord should stay away from all that is evil.”
But the foundation of God stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his; and, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 A stately home doesn't just have cups and bowls made of gold and silver. It also has ones made from wood and clay. Some are made for special use; others for more commonplace functions.
In a great house, however, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some for honor, and some for dishonor.
21 So if you get rid of what is evil, you will become a cup or bowl that is holy and special, useful to the Lord, ready to do all that's good.
If, therefore, any one will cleanse himself from these strifes about words, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, highly useful to the master, prepared for every good work.
22 Run away from anything that fires up the desires of youth. Run after what is right and trustworthy, run after love and peace along with those who are true and pure Christians.
Shun youthful desires, and follow righteousness, faithfulness, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 Avoid foolish and childish debates, for you know they only lead to fights.
But avoid foolish and unprofitable questions, because you know that they produce contentions:
24 For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient,
and the servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but gentle toward all men, able to teach, patient under evils,
25 gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth.
in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves, if, possibly, God may give them repentance in order to the acknowledgment of the truth,
26 In this way they may come to their senses and escape the devil's trap. For he has captured them and made them do whatever he wants.
and that they may awake to sobriety out of the snare of the devil, after having been taken captive by him according to his will.
