< 2 Timothy 2 >

1 You then, my child, must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, my child, be thou filled up with dynamite in the grace which is in Christ Jesus,
2 All that you have been taught by me in the hearing of many witnesses, you must hand on to trusty men who shall themselves, in turn, be competent to instruct others also.
and whatsoever things thou hast heard with me through many witnesses, commit thou the same to faithful men, who will be able also to teach others.
3 As a good soldier of Christ Jesus accept your share of suffering.
Suffer affliction, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled in the world's business--so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him.
No one operating as a soldier is entangled with the affairs of life; in order that he may please his commander.
5 And if any one takes part in an athletic contest, he gets no prize unless he obeys the rules.
But if indeed any one may fight, he is not crowned unless he may fight lawfully.
6 The harvestman who labours in the field must be the first to get a share of the crop.
It behooves the toiling farmer first to partake of the fruits.
7 Mark well what I am saying: the Lord will give you discernment in everything.
Know what I say; for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
8 Never forget that Jesus Christ has risen from among the dead and is a descendant of David, as is declared in the Good News which I preach.
Remember Jesus Christ, who is risen from the dead, from the seed of David, according to my gospel:
9 For preaching the Good News I suffer, and am even put in chains, as if I were a criminal: yet the word of God is not imprisoned.
in whom I suffer affliction as an evil-doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of God's own people; so that they also may obtain salvation--even the salvation which is in Christ Jesus--and with it eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)
On account of this I endure all things for the sake of the elect, in order that they may also have the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)
11 Faithful is the saying: "If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him;
It is a faithful saying: For if we die along with him, we will also live with him:
12 "If we patiently endure pain, we shall also share His Kingship; "If we disown Him, He will also disown us;
if we endure, we will truly reign with him: if we shall deny him, he will also deny us:
13 "And even if our faith fails, He remains true--He cannot prove false to Himself."
if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful; for he is not able to deny himself.
14 Bring all this to men's remembrances, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to waste time in wrangling about mere words, a course which is altogether unprofitable and tends only to the ruin of the hearers.
Remember these things, testifying before God, that they shall not fight with words, profitable unto nothing, for the overturning of those who hear.
15 Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because of his straightforward dealing with the word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame.
Study to present yourself to God approved, a workman not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But from irreligious and frivolous talk hold aloof, for those who indulge in it will proceed from bad to worse in impiety,
But reject the unsanctified empty talks: for they will proceed unto more of ungodliness,
17 and their teaching will spread like a running sore. Hymenaeus and Philetus are men of that stamp.
and their word like gangrene will have eating. Of whom are Hymenaeus and Phyletus;
18 In the matter of the truth they have gone astray, saying that the Resurrection is already past, and so they are overthrowing the faith of some.
who have made shipwreck concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already come, and they overturn the faith of some.
19 Yet God's solid foundation stands unmoved, bearing this inscription, "The Lord knows those who really belong to Him." And this also, "Let every one who names the Name of the Lord renounce all wickedness."
The foundation of God stands solid indeed, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his: and; Let every one naming the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.
20 Now in a great house there are not only articles of gold and silver, but also others of wood and of earthenware; and some are for specially honourable, and others for common use.
But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wood and stone, the former truly indeed unto honor, but the latter unto dishonor.
21 If therefore a man keeps himself clear of these latter, he himself will be for specially honourable use, consecrated, fit for the Master's service, and fully equipped for every good work.
Therefore if any one may cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, having been sanctified, well pleasing to the Lord, having been prepared unto every good work.
22 Keep a strong curb, however, on your youthful cravings; and strive for integrity, good faith, love, peace, in company with all who pray to the Lord with pure hearts.
But fly from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, divine love, peace, with those who call upon the Lord out of a clean heart.
23 But avoid foolish discussions with ignorant men, knowing--as you do--that these lead to quarrels;
But reject foolish and undisciplinary questions, knowing that they gender strife.
24 and a bondservant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be inoffensive towards all men, a skilful teacher, and patient under wrongs.
But it does not behoove the servant of the Lord to strive, but to be gentle toward all, competent to teach, enduring evil,
25 He must speak in a gentle tone when correcting the errors of opponents, in the hope that God will at last give them repentance, for them to come to a full knowledge of the truth
in meekness correcting the adversaries; if peradventure God may grant unto them repentance into the perfect knowledge of the truth,
26 and recover sober-mindedness and freedom from the Devil's snare, though they are now entrapped by him to do his will.
and they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him (the Lord's servant) according to his will.

< 2 Timothy 2 >