2 Timothy 2
1 Thou, therefore, my child, be empowering thyself in the favour that is in Christ Jesus,
So then, my son, grow strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
2 And, the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same, entrust thou unto faithful men, such as shall be, competent, 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 Take thy part in suffering hardship, as a brave soldier of Christ Jesus: —
Suffer together with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No one that is serving as a soldier, entangleth himself with the matters of his livelihood, that he may please him that hath summoned him to serve 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 If, moreover, any man, contend even in the games, he is not crowned, unless, lawfully, he contend;
Similarly athletes who compete in the games don't win a prize if they don't keep to the rules.
6 The toiling husbandman, ought, first, of the fruits, to partake:
The farmer that does all the hard work should be the first to benefit from the crop.
7 Think, as to what I am speaking; for the Lord will give thee discernment in all things.
Think about what I'm telling you. The Lord will help you to understand all this.
8 Keep in mind Jesus Christ—raised from among the dead, of the seed of David, —according to my joyful message:
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 am suffering hardship, even unto bonds, as an evil-doer; 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 For this cause, am I enduring, all things, for the sake of the chosen, in order that, they also, may obtain, the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus along with glory age-abiding. (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 Faithful, the saying—for, If we have died together, we shall also live together,
This is a trustworthy saying: “If we died with him, we will also live with him;
12 If we endure, we shall also reign together; If we shall deny, 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, faithful, abideth, —for, deny himself, he cannot!
If we are not trustworthy, he is still trustworthy, for he cannot be untrue to himself.”
14 Of these things, be putting [them] in remembrance, adjuring [them] before God not to be waging word-battles, —useful, for nothing, occasioning a subversion of them that hearken.
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 Give diligence, thyself, approved, to present unto God, —a workman not to be put to shame, skillfully 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, the profane pratings, shun; for, unto more ungodliness, will they force themselves on;
Avoid pointless chatter because people who do this are heading away from God.
17 And, their discourse, as a gangrene, will eat its way; —of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
Their teachings are as destructive as gangrene that destroys healthy flesh. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.
18 Men who, concerning the truth, have erred, affirming, a resurrection, already, to have taken place, and are 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 Howbeit, the firm foundation of God, standeth, having this seal—The Lord hath acknowledged them who are his, and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord stand aloof 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 But, in a great house, there are not only gold and silver vessels, but, also wooden and earthen: and, some, indeed, for honour, while, some, are for 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, therefore, anyone will, for pureness, sever himself from these, he shall be a vessel for honour, hallowed, meet for the Master’s use, for every good work, prepared.
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 But, from the youthful covetings, flee! and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with them who call upon 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, from the foolish and undisciplined questionings, excuse thyself, knowing that they gender strifes;
Avoid foolish and childish debates, for you know they only lead to fights.
24 And, a servant of the Lord, ought not to strive, but to be, gentle, towards all, apt in teaching, ready to endure malice, —
For the Lord's minister must not fight, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient,
25 In meekness, bringing under discipline them that oppose themselves, lest at any time God should give them repentance unto a personal knowledge of truth,
gently correcting opponents. Perhaps God may help them to come to repent and to understand the truth.
26 And they should wake up to sobriety out of, the adversary’s, snare, —though they have been taken alive by him for, that one’s, 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.
