AN APPROVED WORKER

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before GodA not to fight about words.a This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen. 15 Be 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. Hymenaeusd and Philetus are among them. 18 They 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,B,h and let everyone who calls on the namei ofC the Lord turn away from wickedness.j

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

22 Fleen from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,o along with those who call on the Lordp from a pure heart. 23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.