2 Timothy 2:14–26

AN APPROVED WORKER

¹⁴Remind them of these things, and charge them before God^B not to fight about words.^a This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen. ¹⁵Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.^{b 16}Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness,^{c 17}and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus^d and Philetus are among them. ¹⁸They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place,^e and are ruining the faith of some.^{f 19}Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription:^g The Lord knows those who are his,^Ch and let everyone who calls on the nameⁱ of^D the Lord turn away from wickedness.^j

²⁰Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels,^k but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable^E use and some for dishonorable.^{Fl 21}So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,^G he will be a special^H instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.^m

²²Fleeⁿ from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,^o along with those who call on the Lord^p from a pure heart. ²³But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴The Lord’s^q servant must not quarrel,^r but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^I and patient, ²⁵instructing his opponents with gentleness.^s Perhaps God will grant them repentance^t leading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil,^u who has taken them captive to do his will.^v