2:1 You therefore, my son, remain strong in the grace that dwells in Christ Jesus. |
2:2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will have the capability to teach others also. |
2:3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
2:4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. |
2:5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. |
2:6 The hard-working farmer ought have the first opportunity to receive his share of the crops. |
2:7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. |
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, |
2:9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but no one can imprison the word of God. |
2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who God has chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which comes from Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. |
2:11 I make a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; |
2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him;If we deny Him, He also will deny us; |
2:13 If we show faithlessness, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. |
2:14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which proves useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. |
2:15 Show diligence to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to feel ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. |
2:16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, |
2:17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them we number Hymenaeus and Philetus, |
2:18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. |
2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, " The Lord knows those who belong to Him," and, " Everyone who names the name of the Lord should abstain from wickedness." |
2:20 Now in a large house we find not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. |
2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will become a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. |
2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. |
2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. |
2:24 The Lord's bond-servant must not quarrel, but show kindness to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, |
2:25 with gentleness correcting those who oppose, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, |
2:26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having suffered captivity by him to do his will. |