2 Timothy 2
1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Messiah Jesus.
So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful people, who will 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 You therefore must share in hardship, as a good soldier of Messiah Jesus.
Suffer together with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as 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 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
Similarly athletes who compete in the games don't win a prize if they don't keep to the rules.
6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.
The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop.
7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.
8 Remember Jesus (the) Messiah, risen from the dead, a descendant of David, 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 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word is not chained.
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 chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Messiah Jesus with everlasting 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 This saying is faithful: "For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
This 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 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 are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."
If we are not trustworthy, he is still trustworthy, for he cannot be untrue to himself.”
14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the presence of God, not to wrangle about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
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 Do your best to present yourself approved by God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, properly handling 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 empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God.
17 and their word will consume like gangrene, 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 have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing 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 However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."
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 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor.
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 anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for 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 from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who 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 refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
Avoid foolish and childish debates, for you know they only lead to fights.
24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient,
25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth.
26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to 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.
