2 Timothy 2

¹ You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.

³ Share in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs; he wants to please his commanding officer.

⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown without competing according to the rules.

⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

⁷ Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

⁹ for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.

¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him, we will also live with him;

¹² if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we disown him, he will also disown us;

¹³ if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot disown himself.

¹⁴ Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value and only ruins those who listen.

¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

¹⁶ Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

¹⁷ Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

¹⁸ who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

¹⁹ Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

²⁰ In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for honorable use, others for common use.

²¹ Those who cleanse themselves from what is dishonorable will be instruments for honorable use, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

²² Flee the desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

²³ Have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant arguments, because you know they breed quarrels.

²⁴ And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient when wronged.

²⁵ Gently instructing those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

²⁶ and that they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.