2 Timothy 2
1You then, my child, be empowered by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to trustworthy people who will be competent to teach others as well.
3Suffer hardship together with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier on active duty entangles himself in the business affairs of daily life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5And if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hard-working farmer must be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, from the seed of David, according to my good news. 9For this I suffer hardship even to the point of chains like a criminal; but the word of God has not been chained. 10Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the chosen ones, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11Trustworthy is the word: "If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; 13if we are untrustworthy, he remains trustworthy— for he is unable to deny himself."
14Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them before the Lord not to engage in word-battles, which is useful for nothing and results in the ruin of the listeners. 15Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no reason to be ashamed, straight-cutting the word of truth. 16But avoid profane empty-chatter, for it will lead to even more ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have missed the mark concerning the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already happened, and they are overturning the faith of some.
19Nevertheless, the solid foundation of God stands firm, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from injustice.”
20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthenware ones—some for noble use and some for ignoble use. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these latter things, he will be a vessel for noble use, set apart as holy, useful to the Master of the house, prepared for every good work.
22Flee from youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they give birth to fights. 24And a slave of the Lord must not fight, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient under wrong, 25correcting opponents with gentle strength. Perhaps God may grant them a change of mind that leads to a full knowledge of the truth, 26and they may return to their senses and escape the devil’s trap, having been captured alive by him to do his will.