2 Timothy 2

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus:2 And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach others also.3 Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses; that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself.5 For he also that striveth for the mastery, is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.6 The husbandman, that laboureth, must first partake of the fruits.7 Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding.8 Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel.9 Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer; but the word of God is not bound.10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.11 A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him.12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.13 If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he can not deny himself.14 Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words, for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.15 Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness.17 And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus:18 Who have erred from the truth, saying, that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some.19 But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord.20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour.21 If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.22 But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity, and peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.23 And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes.24 But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild towards all men, apt to teach, patient,25 With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth,26 And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will.

2 Timothy 2

Serving Faithfully Despite Hardship

1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And entrust what you heard me sayt in the presence of many others as witnessest to faithful peoplet who will be competentt to teach others as well.3 Take your share of sufferingt as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not pleaset the one who recruited him.5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winnert unless he competes according to the rules.s6 The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops.

7 Think about what I am saying andt the Lord will give you understanding of all this.t
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David;t such is my gospel,t9 for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonmentt as a criminal, but God’s messaget is not imprisoned!t10 So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God,t that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory.t

11 This sayings is trustworthy:s
If we died with him, we will also live with him.

12 If we endure, we will also reign with him.t
If we denyt him,t he will also deny us.

13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.s

Dealing with False Teachers

14 Remind peoplet of these things and solemnly charge themt before the Lords not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.t15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.s16 But avoid profane chatter,s because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness,t17 and their message will spread its infectiont like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group.t18 They have strayed from the trutht by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith.

19 However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”s and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lordt must turn away from evil.”
20 Now in a wealthy homet there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use.t21 So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior,t he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.22 But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with otherst who call on the Lord from a pure heart.s23 But reject foolish and ignorantt controversies, because you know they breed infighting.t24 And the Lord’s slavets must not engage in heated disputest but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,25 correctings opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the trutht

26 and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captivet to do his will.t