2 Timothy 2
1 So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
Thou therefore, my child, be strong in the grace which [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 thou hast heard of me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, such as shall be competent to instruct others also.
3 Suffer together with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Take thy share in suffering 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.
No one going as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who has enlisted him as 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 also any one contend [in the games], he is not crowned unless he contend lawfully.
6 The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop.
The husbandman must labour before partaking of the fruits.
7 Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.
Think of what I say, for the Lord will give thee 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 Jesus Christ raised from among [the] dead, of [the] seed of David, according to my glad tidings,
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 even unto bonds as an evil-doer: 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 cause I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which [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;
The word [is] faithful; for if we have died together with [him], we shall also live together;
12 if we keep going, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us.
if we endure, we shall also reign together; if we deny, he also will deny us;
13 If we are not trustworthy, he is still trustworthy, for he cannot be untrue to himself.”
if we are unfaithful, he abides faithful, for he cannot 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.
Of these things put in remembrance, testifying earnestly before the Lord not to have disputes of words, profitable for nothing, to the subversion 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 diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth.
16 Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God.
But profane, vain babblings shun, for they will advance to greater impiety,
17 Their teachings are as destructive as gangrene that destroys healthy flesh. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.
and their word will spread as a gangrene; of whom is Hymenaeus 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.
[men] who as to the truth have gone astray, saying that the resurrection has taken place already; and 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.”
Yet the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, [The] Lord knows those that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of [the] Lord withdraw 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.
But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
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 one shall have purified himself from these, [in separating himself from them], he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, serviceable 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.
But youthful lusts flee, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 Avoid foolish and childish debates, for you know they only lead to fights.
But foolish and senseless questionings avoid, knowing that they beget contentions.
24 For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient,
And a bondman of [the] Lord ought not to contend, but be gentle towards all; apt to teach; forbearing;
25 gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth.
in meekness setting right those who oppose, if God perhaps may sometime give them repentance to 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 up out of the snare of the devil, [who are] taken by him, for his will.
