2 Timothy
Summary
Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and to entrust the things he has heard to "faithful people" who will be able to teach others. He uses various metaphors for the Christian life: the soldier who avoids entanglement in worldly affairs, the athlete who competes according to the rules, and the hardworking farmer. Paul reminds Timothy to "study to show yourself approved unto God" as a workman who does not need to be ashamed. He also warns against "profane and empty babblings" and provides guidance on how a "servant of the Lord" should conduct themselves with gentleness and patience toward those who oppose the truth.
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.
You therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one who wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.
And if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
The hardworking farmer must be first partaker of the fruits.
Consider what I say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things.
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel;
In which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
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.
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him;
If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us;
If we believe not, yet He remains faithful: He cannot deny Himself.
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.
Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
But shun profane and empty babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
And their word will eat as does a canker, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
Who concerning the truth have strayed, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His." And, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
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.
If anyone therefore cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared for every good work.
Flee also youthful lusts, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they cause disputes.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle to all people, able to teach, patient,
In gentleness instructing those who oppose themselves, if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.