< 2 Timothy 2 >
1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful people, who will be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore must share in hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, a descendant of David, according to my Good News,
9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word is not chained.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with everlasting glory. (aiōnios )
11 This saying is faithful: "For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."
14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the presence of God, not to wrangle about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
15 Do your best to present yourself approved by God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, properly handling the word of truth.
16 But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
17 and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
19 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 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 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 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.
