2 Timothy 2:1–19

Be Strong in Grace

2You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace ^pthat is in Christ Jesus. ²And what you have heard from me ^qin the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful ^rmen who will be able to teach others also.

³Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ^s4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. ⁵Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. ^t7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

⁸Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead ^uand descended from David. This is according to my gospel. ⁹I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. ¹⁰This is why I endure ^vall things for the elect: ^wso that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. ^x11This saying is trustworthy: ^y

For if we have died with Him, ^z

we will also live with Him;

¹²if we endure, we will also reign ^awith Him;

if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

¹³if we are faithless, He remains faithful,

for He cannot deny Himself.

An Approved Worker

¹⁴Remind them of these things, charging them before God ^bnot to fight about words; ^cthis is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. ^d16But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. ^e17And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus ^fand Philetus are among them. ¹⁸They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, ^gand are overturning the faith of some. ^h19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: ⁱ

The Lord knows those who are His, ^jkand

Everyone who names the name ^lof the Lord

must turn away from unrighteousness. ^m