2 Timothy 2
1 So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
Thou therefore, my son, 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 which thou hast heard from me, before many witnesses, these 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 thou therefore endure hardship, as becomes 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, that enters into military service, embarrasseth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him.
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 contend in the public games, he gains not the crown unless he contend fairly.
6 The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop.
The husbandman must labour first, in order to partake of the fruits.
7 Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.
Consider what I say, and the Lord 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 of the seed of David, who 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.
for whose sake I suffer trouble even unto bonds, as if I were a malefactor; 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)
Therefore I submit to every thing for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is by Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)
11 This is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with him, we will also live with him;
It is an undoubted truth, if we are dead 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 suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we disown Him, He will also disown us.
13 If we are not trustworthy, he is still trustworthy, for he cannot be untrue to himself.”
If we are unfaithful, He continueth faithful notwithstanding; He cannot renounce 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.
These things remind them of, charging them before the Lord not to contend about words, which is profitable for nothing, and tends 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.
Endeavour to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God.
But avoid prophane empty harangues; for they will proceed to more impiety,
17 Their teachings are as destructive as gangrene that destroys healthy flesh. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.
and their discourse will eat like a gangrene. Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; who have erred from the truth,
18 They have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already happened, which has ruined some people's trust in God.
saying that the resurrection is already past; and subvert 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, the foundation of God standeth firm, having this inscription, The Lord knoweth them that are his; and, Let every one that nameth 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 there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, some for meaner uses.
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 purify himself from these corruptions, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and fitted for the Master's use, being 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 youthful passions: and follow righteousness, fidelity, love, and peace, with all 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 unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they produce quarrels; for the servant of the Lord ought not to wrangle,
24 For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient,
but to be gentle towards all men, ready to teach, patient under injuries,
25 gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth.
with meekness instructing those of different sentiments, not knowing but God may give them repentance to the acknowledgement 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 awake out of the snare of the devil, who have been captivated by him to his will.
