2 Timothy 2

1 You then, my child, be empowered by the favor that is in Christ Jesus, [a] 2 and what you heard from me through many witnesses — place these things in the hands of faithful people, who will be capable of teaching others as well. [b]

3 Suffer hardship together with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [c] 4 No one on campaign entangles himself in the affairs of daily life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. [d] 5 And if anyone competes, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully. [e] 6 The farmer who labors must be the first to take a share of the fruits. [f] 7 Understand what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, from the seed of David, according to my good news, [g] 9 in which I suffer hardship, even to bonds, as a criminal — but the word of God is not bound. [h] 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the chosen, so that they too may obtain the rescue that is in Christ Jesus, with everlasting glory. [i] 11 Faithful is the word: [j]

14 Remind them of these things, testifying before the Lord not to battle over words — it is useful for nothing, and it overturns those who hear. [m] 15 Be diligent to present yourself to God as one proved, a worker with nothing to be ashamed of, cutting straight the word of the truth. [n] 16 But keep clear of the common empty utterances, for they will go forward to more irreverence, [o] 17 and their word will have pasture like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, [p] 18 who have missed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened, and they overturn the faith of some. [q] 19 Nevertheless the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand away from unrighteousness.” [r]

20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay — and some for honor, some for dishonor. [s] 21 So if anyone cleans himself out from these, he will be a vessel for honor, made holy, useful to the Master, made ready for every good work. [t] 22 But flee youthful desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a clean heart. 23 But refuse foolish and untaught questionings, knowing that they give birth to fights; 24 and the Lord’s slave must not fight, but be mild toward all, able to teach, bearing evil without resentment, [u] 25 training those who set themselves against him with gentleness — perhaps God may give them a change of mind, into full knowledge of truth, [v] 26 and they may come back to soberness out of the snare of the Accuser, having been captured alive by him for his will. [w]