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 men, who will be able to teach others
also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ
Jesus. 4 No soldier on service 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 isn’t 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, and may the Lord give you understanding in all
things.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David,
according to my gospel, 9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of
chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. 10 Therefore I endure
all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation
which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 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. He can’t deny 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.
15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who
doesn’t 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 men 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*1 depart from unrighteousness.” 20 Now in a great
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.
1 TR reads “Christ”
instead of “the Lord”
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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