1So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | 1So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
2And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. | 2And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. |
3Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. | 3Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
4No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. | 4No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. |
5Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. | 5Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. |
6The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. | 6The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. |
7Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this. | 7Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this. |
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, | 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, |
9for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God's message is not imprisoned! | 9for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God's message is not imprisoned! |
10So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory. | 10So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory. |
11This saying is trustworthy: If we died with him, we will also live with him. | 11This saying is trustworthy: If we died with him, we will also live with him. |
12If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. | 12If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. |
13If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself. | 13If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself. |
14Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. | 14Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. |
15Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. | 15Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. |
16But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, | 16But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, |
17and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. | 17and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. |
18They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people's faith. | 18They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people's faith. |
19However, God's solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil." | 19However, God's solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil." |
20Now in a wealthy home 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. | 20Now in a wealthy home 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. |
21So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. | 21So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. |
22But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. | 22But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. |
23But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. | 23But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. |
24And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, | 24And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, |
25correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth | 25correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth |
26and they will come to their senses and escape the devil's trap where they are held captive to do his will. | 26and they will come to their senses and escape the devil's trap where they are held captive to do his will. |
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