2 Timothy 2
1 You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that [is] in Christ Jesus,
So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
2 and the things that you heard from me through many witnesses, be committing these things to steadfast men, who will also be sufficient to teach others;
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.
3 you, therefore, suffer evil as a good soldier of Jesus Christ;
Suffer together with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 no one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who enlisted him;
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.
5 and if anyone also may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully;
Similarly athletes who compete in the games don't win a prize if they don't keep to the rules.
6 it is first necessary [for] the laboring farmer to partake of the fruits;
The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop.
7 be considering what things I say, for the LORD gives to you understanding in all things.
Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised out of the dead, of the seed of David, according to my good news,
Focus your mind on Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was raised from the dead. This is my good news,
9 in which I suffer evil—to bonds, as an evildoer, but the word of God has not been bound;
and I'm suffering imprisonment because of it as if I were a criminal—but the word of God is not imprisoned.
10 because of this I endure all things, because of the chosen ones, that they also may obtain salvation that [is] in Christ Jesus, with perpetual glory. (aiōnios g166)
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)
11 The word [is] steadfast: For if we died together—we will also live together;
This is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure together—we will also reign together; if we deny [Him], He will also deny us;
if we keep going, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us.
13 if we are not steadfast, He remains steadfast; He is not able to deny Himself.
If we are not trustworthy, he is still trustworthy, for he cannot be untrue to himself.”
14 Remind [them] of these things, testifying fully before the LORD—not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing;
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.
15 be diligent to present yourself approved to God—a workman not ashamed, straightly cutting the word of truth;
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.
16 and stand aloof from the profane vain talkings, for they will advance to more impiety,
Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God.
17 and their word will have pasture as a gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus,
Their teachings are as destructive as gangrene that destroys healthy flesh. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.
18 who swerved concerning the truth, saying the resurrection to have already been, and overthrows the faith of some;
They have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already happened, which has ruined some people's trust in God.
19 sure, nevertheless, the foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The LORD has known those who are His,” and, “Let him depart from unrighteousness—everyone who is naming the Name of Christ.”
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.”
20 And in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honor, and some to dishonor:
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.
21 if, then, anyone may cleanse himself from these, he will be a vessel to honor, sanctified and profitable to the master—having been prepared to every good work;
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.
22 and flee the youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those calling on the LORD out of a pure heart;
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.
23 and be avoiding the foolish and uninstructed questions, having known that they beget strife,
Avoid foolish and childish debates, for you know they only lead to fights.
24 and a servant of the LORD must not quarrel, but to be gentle to all, apt to teach, patient under evil,
For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient,
25 instructing those opposing in meekness—if perhaps God may give to them conversion to an acknowledging of the truth,
gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth.
26 and they may awake out of the Devil’s snare, having been caught by him at his will.
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.
