2 Timothy 2
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Take what you heard me say in front of many witnesses and share it with those who are trustworthy, who then can teach others as well.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Suffer together with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
A soldier on active duty doesn't get caught up in the business of everyday life. He wants to please the one who enlisted him.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
Similarly athletes who compete in the games don't win a prize if they don't keep to the rules.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Focus your mind on Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was raised from the dead. This is my good news,
9 Where in I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
and I'm suffering imprisonment because of it as if I were a criminal—but the word of God is not imprisoned.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)
Despite all this I'm willing to keep on going for the sake of God's people so that they may gain the salvation of Christ Jesus that is eternal glory. (aiōnios g166)
11 [It is] a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]:
This is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with him, we will also live with him;
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:
if we keep going, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us.
13 If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he can not deny himself.
If we are not trustworthy, he is still trustworthy, for he cannot be untrue to himself.”
14 Of these things put [them] in remembrance, charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers.
This is what you should remind people about, telling them before God that they shouldn't have meaningless arguments over words. To do this only harms those who listen.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Make sure you work hard so you can present yourself to God and gain his approval. Be a worker that doesn't need to be embarrassed, using the word of truth correctly.
16 But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
Their teachings are as destructive as gangrene that destroys healthy flesh. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
They have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already happened, which has ruined some people's trust in God.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
But God's solid, trustworthy foundation stone stands firm, with this inscription, “The Lord knows those who belong to him,” and “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord should stay away from all that is evil.”
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
A stately home doesn't just have cups and bowls made of gold and silver. It also has ones made from wood and clay. Some are made for special use; others for more commonplace functions.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
So if you get rid of what is evil, you will become a cup or bowl that is holy and special, useful to the Lord, ready to do all that's good.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Run away from anything that fires up the desires of youth. Run after what is right and trustworthy, run after love and peace along with those who are true and pure Christians.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
Avoid foolish and childish debates, for you know they only lead to fights.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,
For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth.
26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
In this way they may come to their senses and escape the devil's trap. For he has captured them and made them do whatever he wants.
