2 Timothy 2

1So you, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And what you heard from me before many witnesses, pass on to trustworthy people who will be able to teach others as well. 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier on active duty gets tangled up in civilian affairs; he wants to please the officer who enlisted him. 5In the same way, an athlete does not receive the winner’s crown unless he competes by the rules. 6The farmer who does the hard work should be the first to eat from the harvest. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead and descended from David, as my gospel proclaims. 9For this gospel I am suffering, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10So I endure everything for the sake of God’s chosen people, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, and with it eternal glory. 11Here is a saying you can rely on: 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 unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot be false to himself.

14Keep reminding people of these things, and warn them before the Lord not to quarrel about words. It does no good and only ruins those who listen. 15Make every effort to stand before God tested and approved, a worker with nothing to be ashamed of, who handles the message of truth correctly. 16Stay away from godless, empty chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly, 17and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. 18They have wandered away from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they are destroying the faith of some. 19But God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with these words: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

20In a large house there are not only gold and silver dishes but also wooden and clay ones, some for special occasions and some for common use. 21Those who keep themselves clean from such things will be vessels for special use, made holy, useful to the master, and ready for every good work. 22Run away from the passions of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, together with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant arguments; you know they only lead to quarrels. 24The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach and patient with difficult people, 25gently correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and they will come to know the truth, 26and come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has held them captive to do his will.