2 Timothy 2

Be Strong in God’s Grace

1 As for you, my spiritual son, you must continually draw your inner strength from the grace that flows from union with Christ Jesus.

2 The truths that you received from me in the hearing of numerous witnesses, these you must pass on and entrust to reliable individuals who will possess the capacity to teach still others.

3 Accept your portion of suffering alongside me, conducting yourself as a well-trained soldier who belongs to Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier engaged in military service entangles himself in the everyday affairs and business pursuits of civilian life, for his objective is to satisfy and please the commanding officer who recruited him.

5 In the same way, a competitor in athletic contests does not receive the winner’s crown unless he adheres strictly to the regulations governing the competition.

6 The farmer who labors with dedication deserves to be the first to partake of the crops he has cultivated.

7 Consider thoughtfully what I am communicating to you, for the Lord will provide you with insight and comprehension in all these things.

8 Keep your mind continually focused on Jesus Christ, who was raised from death to life, who came from the lineage of David, exactly as my gospel message declares.

9 It is on account of this gospel that I am experiencing affliction, to the extent of being confined with chains as though I were a dangerous criminal; yet the message of God is not subject to imprisonment or restraint.

10 Therefore I willingly bear all things for the benefit of those whom God has chosen, so that they as well might attain the deliverance that comes through Christ Jesus, accompanied by glory that lasts forever.

11 This statement deserves complete trust and confidence:

For if we have experienced death in union with Him,

we shall also experience life in union with Him;

12 if we persevere through trials with endurance,

we shall also exercise royal authority alongside Him;

if we repudiate Him,

He likewise will repudiate us;

13 if we demonstrate unfaithfulness,

He continues to demonstrate faithfulness,

for it is impossible for Him to act contrary to His own character.

Present Yourself Approved to God

14 Continue to bring these truths to the remembrance of the brothers and sisters, giving them solemn warning in God’s presence not to quarrel about words, a practice that accomplishes no beneficial purpose and leads to the spiritual destruction of those who hear such arguments.

15 Give diligent effort to offer yourself to God as one who has passed the test and received approval, as a laborer who has no cause for shame, who correctly interprets and accurately communicates the message of truth.

16 But keep yourself distant from godless and meaningless chatter, for those who engage in it will advance further and further into ungodly living,

17 and their false teaching will consume and spread like a gangrenous infection. Among these false teachers are Hymenaeus and Philetus.

18 These men have deviated from the truth by asserting that the resurrection of believers has already taken place in the past, and by this claim they are undermining and destroying the faith of certain individuals.

19 Yet despite this, the solid foundation that God has laid remains unshaken and stable, marked with this inscription: “The Lord recognizes and knows intimately those who truly belong to Him,” and, “Let everyone who calls upon the Lord’s name separate himself from wickedness and injustice.”

20 Now in a large and wealthy house there exist not only containers fashioned from gold and silver, but also containers made from wood and earthenware, and some are designated for noble purposes while others serve common or degrading functions.

21 So if anyone purifies himself by removing himself from what is ignoble and dishonorable, he will become a vessel designated for honorable use, consecrated and set apart, valuable and useful to the Master of the house, and fully prepared and equipped for every kind of good work.

22 Run away from the desires and impulses characteristic of youth, and instead pursue after righteousness, faithful trust, self-giving love, and harmony with others, doing so in company with those who invoke the Lord’s name from hearts that are pure and sincere.

23 Turn away from and refuse to engage in foolish speculations and ignorant debates, because you understand that these generate conflicts and quarrels.

24 And a servant who belongs to the Lord must not be characterized by a contentious spirit, but instead must demonstrate kindness toward all people, must possess the ability to communicate truth effectively, must show patience when he is mistreated or insulted,

25 instructing those who stand in opposition with a spirit of gentleness and humility, hoping that perhaps God will grant them a change of mind that leads to full recognition of the truth,

26 and that they will return to their right senses and break free from the trap the devil has set, having been held captive by him to carry out his purposes.

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2 Timothy 2: AFINTEXP

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