Invitation to Continue

2 Timothy 2

You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful humans who will be able then to teach others. Join with me in suffering like an excellent soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on duty gets entangled in the affairs of everyday life, but rather seeks to please the commanding officer. Also, anyone who competes in athletics isn’t crowned unless they compete according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to get a share of the crops. Consider what I am saying, and may the Lord give you insight into everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, from the seed of David, according to my gospel, for which I am suffering to the point of being bound as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy:

“For if we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he cannot deny himself.”

False Teachers

Remind them of these things and charge in the presence of the Lord not to argue about words which are of no value and lead to ruin in those who hear.

Make every effort to present yourself approved by God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the word of truth. But avoid profane chitchat, because it drives people toward further ungodliness, and such words will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened, and overturning the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription:

“The Lord [YHWH] knows those who are ʜɪꜱ ,”+Num 16:5

and,

“Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from injustice.”

Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honorable use and some for dishonorable. So if anyone cleanses themself from these, they will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the master, prepared for every good work.

You must flee youthful desires, and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But reject foolish and uninformed speculations, knowing that they generate quarrels. The slave of the Lord must not quarrel, but should be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to knowledge of the truth, and they may sober up from the devil’s trap, having been taken captive by him to do his will.