2 Timothy 2
2
Grace to Overcome
1Timothy, my dear son, # 2:1 The Greek text literally means “my little child,” and is used as a term of endearment. live your life empowered by God’s free-flowing grace, which is your true strength, found in the anointing of Jesus and your union with him! 2And all that you’ve learned from me, confirmed by the integrity of my life, # 2:2 Or “by way of many witnesses.” These “witnesses” could be those people who also heard Paul’s teaching, or it may refer to the prophetic confirmations of the truth he taught to Timothy. deposit into faithful leaders who are competent to teach the congregations the same revelation.
3Overcome every form of evil # 2:3 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek says “suffer hardships.” as a victorious soldier of Jesus the Anointed One. 4For every soldier called to active duty must divorce himself from the distractions of this world so that he may fully satisfy the one who chose him.
5An athlete who doesn’t play by the rules will never receive the trophy, so remain faithful to God! # 2:5 Supplied by the context to complete the ellipsis.
6The farmer who labors to produce a crop should be the first one to be fed from its harvest.
7Carefully consider all that I’ve taught you, and may our Lord inspire you with wisdom and revelation in everything you say and do. 8But make Jesus, the Anointed One, your focus in life and ministry. For he came to earth as the descendant of David and rose from the dead, according to the revelation of the gospel that God has given me. 9This is the reason I am persecuted and imprisoned by evildoers, # 2:9 The Greek text means “imprisoned as a criminal.” However, the Aramaic word used here for “persecuted” can also be translated “crucified.” Perhaps Paul is giving a prophecy of what would come. Later, Paul was indeed martyred either by crucifixion or beheading for his faith in Christ. enduring the suffering of these chains—but the Word of God can never be chained! 10I endure all these hardships for the benefit of the chosen ones # 2:10 The Greek word here for “chosen” has embedded within it the word logos. God’s chosen ones have been chosen by the word of God to become a living word sent from his mouth to reveal the message of their destiny. in Christ so that they may also discover the overcoming life that is in Jesus Christ, and experience a glory that lasts forever!
11You can trust these words:
If we were joined with him in his death, then we are joined with him in his life! 12If we are joined with him in his sufferings, # 2:12 An alternate Aramaic translation could read “If we preach the kingdom, we shall rule with him.” then we will reign together with him in his triumph. But if we disregard him, then he will also disregard us. 13But even if we are faithless, he will still be full of faith, for he never wavers in his faithfulness to us! # 2:13 Or “he will not be unfaithful to himself.”
14Be committed to teach the believers all these things when you are with them in the presence of the Lord. Instruct them to never be drawn into meaningless arguments, or tear each other down with useless words that only harm others.
15Always be eager # 2:15 An alternate Aramaic translation is “Don’t become frustrated.” The Greek word is spoudazo, an aorist imperative verb that could be translated, “Hurry and keep on hurrying,” or “Consider it a serious matter and keep on considering it something serious to present yourself before God.” to present yourself before God as a perfect and mature minister, without shame, as one who correctly explains the Word of Truth.
Avoid False Teachings
16And avoid empty chatter and worthless words, # 2:16 The Greek text could be translated “avoid corrupt and useless speakers,” referring not to the words themselves, but to those who teach the flock. See v. 18. for they simply add to the irreverence of those who converse in that manner. 17For the words of Hymenaeus # 2:17 See the first footnote for 1 Tim. 1:20. and Philetus are like gangrene, they have already spread their poison to many. 18They are lost to the truth and teach gross error when they teach that the resurrection of the dead has already passed. # 2:18 The Aramaic can be translated “never going to happen.” They are guilty of subverting # 2:18 The Greek literally means “turning upside down the faith of some.” the faith of some believers.
19But the firm # 2:19 Or “true.” An alternate Aramaic translation of this verse could read “that resurrection is the firm foundation,” referring to v. 18. foundation of God has written upon it these two inscriptions: “The Lord God recognizes those who are truly his!” # 2:19 See Num. 16:5. and, “Everyone who worships the name of the Lord Jesus # 2:19 Or “Lord.” By implication it is the Lord Jesus. must forsake wickedness!” # 2:19 An alternate Aramaic translation could read “He will save from wickedness.”
Be a Pure Container of Christ
20In a palace you find many kinds of containers and tableware for many different uses. Some are beautifully inlaid with gold or silver, but some are made of wood or earthenware; some of them are used for banquets and special occasions, and some for everyday use. 21But you, Timothy, must not see your life and ministry this way. Your life and ministry must not be disgraced, for you are to be a pure container of Christ and dedicated to the honorable purposes of your Master, prepared # 2:21 The Aramaic can be translated “appreciated.” for every good work that he gives you to do.
22Run as fast as you can from all the ambitions and lusts # 2:22 The Greek text literally means “revolutionary desires.” of youth; and chase after all that is pure. Whatever builds up your faith and deepens your love must become your holy pursuit. And live in peace with all those who worship our Lord Jesus with pure hearts.
23Stay away from all the foolish arguments of the immature, for these disputes will only generate more conflict. 24For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative # 2:24 An alternate Aramaic translation could read “You should not be argumentative with a true servant of the Lord.” but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth, having great patience toward the immature. 25Then with meekness you’ll be able to carefully enlighten those who argue with you so they can see God’s gracious gift of repentance and be brought to the truth. 26This will cause them to rediscover themselves # 2:26 Or “come to their senses.” and escape from the snare of Satan who caught them in his trap so that they would carry out his purposes.
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2 Timothy 2: TPT
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