NIV
2 Timothy 2
- 1<pb/>You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
- 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
- 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
- 5Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.
- 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
- 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
- 8<pb/>Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
- 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
- 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
- 11<pb/>Here is a trustworthy saying: <pb/><t>If we died with him,</t> <t>we will also live with him;</t>
- 12<t>if we endure,</t> <t>we will also reign with him.</t> <t>If we disown him,</t> <t>he will also disown us;</t>
- 13<t>if we are faithless,</t> <t>he remains faithful,</t> <t>for he cannot disown himself.</t>
- 14<pb/>Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
- 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
- 16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
- 17Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
- 18who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
- 19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
- 20<pb/>In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.
- 21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
- 22<pb/>Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- 23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
- 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
- 25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
- 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.