< 2 Timothy 2 >
1 Do you then, my son, strengthen you heart in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.
2 The teachings which you have heard from me, attested by many witnesses, deliver into the keeping of faithful men, who in their turn will be able to teach others also.
3 Take your share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 A soldier in active service avoids entangling himself in the every- day affairs of life, so that he may please his commander.
5 And again, an athlete is not crowned unless he obeys the rules of the game.
6 The farmer who has done the work should be the first to get a share of the crop.
7 Reflect on what I am telling you. The Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, has been raised from the dead according to the gospel I proclaim.
9 For preaching it I am suffering, and am even put in chains as a malefacter. But God’s message is no prisoner.
10 That is why I endure everything for the sake of the chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (aiōnios )
11 Faithful is the saying. "If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.
12 If we endure suffering, we shall also reign with him. If we disown him, he too will disown us.
13 If we prove faithless. he abides faithful, for he cannot be false to himself."
14 Always call these truths to men’s mind; adjuring them in the presence of God to avoid controversy. It is a useless thing, and subverts those who listen to it.
15 Strive earnestly to present yourself unto God, tested and proved worthy by trial, a workman unashamed, ever cutting a straight path for the message of the truth.
16 but avoid profane babble; for people will go farther and farther in impiety,
17 and their teaching will spread like a gangrene.
18 Among such are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have gone astray concerning the truth by declaring that the resurrection is already past; and they are undermining the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless God’s firm foundation stands unshaken, bearing this inscription, THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS, and this also, LET EVERY ONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF THE LORD RENOUNCE WICKEDNESS.
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for noble, some for ignoble uses.
21 If then a man keeps himself clear of these latter, he will be a vessel for honor, consecrated, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee from the passions of youth, but run after righteousness, faith, love, and peace, in company with those who out of a pure heart call upon the Lord.
23 Ever shun foolish and puerile discussions, for you know that they lead to quarrels.
24 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be kind to all men; a skilful teacher, patient of wrong.
25 He must be gentle when instructing opponents; for possibly God may give them a change of mind for the recognition of the truth,
26 and they may come to their senses again, and escape the snare of the devil, as they are restored to life by God to do his will.
