2 Timothy 2
Serving Faithfully Despite Hardship
2:1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 And entrust what you heard me say1 in the presence of many others as witnesses2 to faithful people3 who will be competent4 to teach others as well. 2:3 Take your share of suffering5 as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2:4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please6 the one who recruited him. 2:5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner7 unless he competes according to the rules.8 2:6 The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. 2:7 Think about what I am saying and9 the Lord will give you understanding of all this.10
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David;11 such is my gospel,12 2:9 for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment13 as a criminal, but God’s message14 is not imprisoned!15 2:10 So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God,16 that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory.17 2:11 This saying18 is trustworthy:19
If we died with him, we will also live with him.
2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him.20
If we deny21 him,22 he will also deny us.
2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.23
Dealing with False Teachers
2:14 Remind people24 of these things and solemnly charge them25 before the Lord26 not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.27 2:15 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.28 2:16 But avoid profane chatter,29 because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness,30 2:17 and their message will spread its infection31 like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group.32 2:18 They have strayed from the truth33 by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. 2:19 However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”34 and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord35 must turn away from evil.”
2:20 Now in a wealthy home36 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.37 2:21 So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior,38 he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2:22 But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others39 who call on the Lord from a pure heart.40 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant41 controversies, because you know they breed infighting.42 2:24 And the Lord’s slave43 must not engage in heated disputes44 but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, 2:25 correcting45 opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth46 2:26 and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive47 to do his will.48