2 Timothy Chapter 2

Provisions for Going Forward

2^:1 So, my son, you be strong in the grace that Christ Jesus gives. ² What you’ve heard from me among many witnesses entrust to faithful men that can teach others. ³ Endure hardship with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ A soldier doesn’t get mixed up in the affairs of daily life while he’s a soldier. That way he can please his recruiter. ⁵ An athlete doesn’t win the garland unless he competes by the rules. ⁶ A laboring farmer should be first to share in his crops. ⁷ Think about what I’m saying; the Lord will help you understand.                 

2 Tim 2:1-7

            ⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David according to the gospel I preach, ⁹ that I endure hardship for—even to the point of being in chains like a criminal. But God’s word is not in chains. ¹⁰ So I endure everything for the ones he has chosen so they can obtain the salvation that Christ Jesus gives with endless glory. ¹¹ Here’s a reliable saying:

                        “If we’ve suffered with him, we’ll live with him.

        ¹² If we endure, we’ll reign with him.

                        If we deny him, he’ll deny us.

                        ¹³ If we’re not faithful, he’ll stay faithful

                                    because he can’t deny himself.”                                                  

2 Tim 2:8-13

Staying on Course

¹⁴ Remind the saints of that, and solemnly charge them in front of God not to argue about words. That doesn’t accomplish anything, and it ruins people that listen to it. ¹⁵ Be diligent about presenting yourself to God as a worker that’s not ashamed, who correctly interprets the truth that’s in the message. ¹⁶ Avoid worldly, foolish talk; it’ll lead to more ungodliness ¹⁷ and eat away like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like that; ¹⁸ they’ve wandered off from the truth and say the resurrection has already happened. They’re overturning the faith of some. ¹⁹ But, God’s foundation stands firm with this seal: “The LORD knows who’s his” [Num 16:5]; and “Everybody that commits themselves to the LORD must quit sinning” [Num 16:26]. ²⁰ A big house has gold and silver containers, but wood and clay ones too. ²¹ If people keep themselves clean from foolish worldly ideas, they’ll serve as containers for the Householder’s honorable uses—set aside for good uses. ²² Run away from youthful desires and run after goodness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. ²³ Stay away from foolish, ignorant speculation, because you know it produces conflict. ²⁴ The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; he must be kind toward everyone, able to teach, not reacting when he’s wronged. ²⁵ He needs to correct gently those who oppose the truth, because God may allow them to change to knowing the truth ²⁶ and to come to their senses out of the devil’s trap, who’s held them captive under his will.

2 Tim 2:14-26