2 Timothy 2:1-26 CEB

[1] So, my child, draw your strength from the grace that is in Christ Jesus. [2] Take the things you heard me say in front of many other witnesses and pass them on to faithful people who are also capable of teaching others. [3] Accept your share of suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] Nobody who serves in the military gets tied up with civilian matters, so that they can please the one who recruited them. [5] Also in the same way, athletes don’t win unless they follow the rules. [6] A hardworking farmer should get the first share of the crop. [7] Think about what I’m saying; the Lord will give you understanding about everything. [8] Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. [9] This is the reason I’m suffering to the point that I’m in prison like a common criminal. But God’s word cannot be imprisoned. [10] This is why I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen by God so that they too may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [11] This saying is reliable: “If we have died together, we will also live together. [12] If we endure, we will also rule together. If we deny him, he will also deny us. [13] If we are disloyal, he stays faithful” because he can’t be anything else than what he is. [14] Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren’t helpful and only destroy those who hear them. [15] Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly. [16] Avoid their godless discussions, because they will lead many people into ungodly behavior, [17] and their ideas will spread like an infection. This includes Hymenaeus and Philetus, [18] who have deviated from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already happened. This has undermined some people’s faith. [19] God’s solid foundation is still standing with this sign: “The Lord knows the people who belong to him,” and “Everyone who confesses the Lord’s name must avoid wickedness.” [20] In a mansion, there aren’t just gold and silver bowls but also some bowls that are made of wood and clay. Some are meant for special uses, some for garbage. [21] So if anyone washes filth off themselves, they will be set apart as a “special bowl.” They will be useful to the owner of the mansion for every sort of good work. [22] Run away from adolescent cravings. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart. [23] Avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions, since you know that they produce conflicts. [24] God’s slave shouldn’t be argumentative but should be kind toward all people, able to teach, patient, [25] and should correct opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will change their mind and give them a knowledge of the truth. [26] They may come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap that holds them captive to do his will.