NETtext - II Timothy - 2

2:1  So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2:2  And 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.

2:3  Take your share of suffering 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 please the one who recruited him.

2:5  Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules.

2:6  The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops.

2:7  Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.

2:8  Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel,

2:9  for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God's message is not imprisoned!

2:10  So 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.

2:11  This saying is trustworthy: 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 will also deny us.

2:13  If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.

2:14  Remind 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.

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.

2:16  But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness,

2:17  and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group.

2:18  They have strayed from the truth 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," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil."

2:20  Now 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.

2:21  So 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.

2:22  But 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.

2:23  But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting.

2:24  And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

2:25  correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth

2:26  and they will come to their senses and escape the devil's trap where they are held captive to do his will.