< 2 Timothy 2 >

1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
You then, my child, must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 The things which you have heard from me amongst many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
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.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
As a good soldier of Christ Jesus accept your share of suffering.
4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
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.
5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
And if any one takes part in an athletic contest, he gets no prize unless he obeys the rules.
6 The farmer who labours must be the first to get a share of the crops.
The harvestman who labours in the field must be the first to get a share of the crop.
7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
Mark well what I am saying: the Lord will give you discernment in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News,
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.
9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.
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.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)
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)
11 This saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
Faithful is the saying: "If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him;
12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
"If we patiently endure pain, we shall also share His Kingship; "If we disown Him, He will also disown us;
13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.”
"And even if our faith fails, He remains true--He cannot prove false to Himself."
14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
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.
15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
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.
16 But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,
But from irreligious and frivolous talk hold aloof, for those who indulge in it will proceed from bad to worse in impiety,
17 and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus:
and their teaching will spread like a running sore. Hymenaeus and Philetus are men of that stamp.
18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
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.
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.”
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."
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 honour and some for dishonour.
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.
21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.
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.
22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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.
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
But avoid foolish discussions with ignorant men, knowing--as you do--that these lead to quarrels;
24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
and a bondservant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be inoffensive towards all men, a skilful teacher, and patient under wrongs.
25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
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
26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
and recover sober-mindedness and freedom from the Devil's snare, though they are now entrapped by him to do his will.

< 2 Timothy 2 >