2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is 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 be able 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 to be the first 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 the word of God is not imprisoned. |
2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus {and} with {it} eternal glory. |
2:11 It is 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 are faithless, 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 is useless {and leads} to the ruin of the hearers. |
2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be 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 are 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 are His, and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."" |
2:20 Now in a large house there are 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 be 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 be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, |
2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, 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 been held captive by him to do his will. |