| Chapter 2 |
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 |
If also a man competes in the games, he is not 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 bonds, as a criminal. But God`s word isn`t bound. |
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 will 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 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 a man 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; if perhaps God may give them repentance to the 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. |