章 |
2:1 |
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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2:2 |
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
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2:3 |
Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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2:4 |
No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.
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2:5 |
Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.
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2:6 |
The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
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2:7 |
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
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2:8 |
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
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2:9 |
for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.
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2:10 |
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
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2:11 |
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
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2:12 |
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
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2:13 |
if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
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2:14 |
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
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2:15 |
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
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2:16 |
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
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2:17 |
Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
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2:18 |
who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
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2:19 |
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
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2:20 |
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.
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2:21 |
If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
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2:22 |
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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2:23 |
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
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2:24 |
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
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2:25 |
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
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2:26 |
and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
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