1Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the same things that you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, commit and entrust to faithful men that are also qualified and able to teach others.
3Endure hardships with me, like a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4No one who serves as a soldier lets himself become entangled with the affairs of this life; but instead, seeks to please the officer who has chosen him to be a soldier.
5And athletes who strive for victory cannot win the prize they strive for unless they compete lawfully (by the rules).
6The hard-working farmer should be first to share in the fruits of his labor.
7Consider what I am saying; and the Lord will give you understanding in these things.
8Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead. This is also my gospel message,
9For which I am now suffering, to the point that I am in chains like a common criminal. But the word of God cannot be held in chains.
10Therefore, I endure everything for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11It is a faithful saying: For if we die with Him, we shall also live with Him (Romans 6:8);
12If we endure hardship, we shall also reign with Him. But if we deny (disown) Him, He also will deny (disown) us (Matt. 10:33):
13Even if we are unfaithful, yet He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.
14Remind all of God’s people of these things; charging them before the Lord to avoid quarreling over words with no purpose, except to confuse those that listen.
15Endeavor to present yourself to God as one approved - a workman that has no need to be ashamed, rightly dividing (handling and explaining) the word of truth.
16But avoid profane and vain babblings; for they will only add to ungodly behavior.
17And their words will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them,
18Who have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection has already occurred; upsetting the faith of some. Verse 2:18 - “claiming that the resurrection has already occurred” - we are not told in Scripture, nor with any certainty by any other authors, what these men meant by asserting that the resurrection had already occurred; but it apparently suggested that if there was a bodily resurrection of the dead, it had already occurred, and those who were now living had somehow missed it. What we do know is that it was a heresy that Paul considered as dangerous to the body of believers as gangrene is to the physical body, for those who might give it any credence; and so he warned Timothy of it.
19Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure and firm, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His”, and, “Let everyone that names the name of Christ turn away from evil” (Is.28:16).
20But in a wealthy home there are not only vessels (utensils) of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay pottery - some to honor (for special purposes); and some to dishonor (for everyday use).
21Therefore, if you keep yourself pure from these (evil and corrupt beliefs), you will be a special vessel (utensil) sanctified (set aside) and suitable for the Master's honorable use, and prepared for every good work.
22Flee youthful temptations; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant questions and arguments, knowing that they just produce unproductive quarrels.
24And the servant of the Lord must not indulge in quarreling; but be kind to all people, patient, and able to teach,
25 Gently instructing those who oppose the truth; in the hope that God will give them repentance that will lead them to learning and acknowledging the truth,
26And that they may come to their senses and escape the devil’s attempts to make them a captive of his evil will. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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