2 Timothy 2
1 So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
You therefore, my child, be strengthened 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.
The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 Suffer together with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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 soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled 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.
Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
6 The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop.
The farmer who labors must be the first to get a share of the crops.
7 Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.
Consider what I say, and may the Lord 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 Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News,
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 hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.
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)
Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, 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;
This saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will 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 endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, 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 faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t 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.
Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
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.
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
16 Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God.
But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,
17 Their teachings are as destructive as gangrene that destroys healthy flesh. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.
and those words will consume like 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 have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing 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.”
However, God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
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.
Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are 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 anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, 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.
Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and 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 refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
24 For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient,
The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle toward all, able to teach, patient,
25 gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth.
in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge 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 they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
