2 Timothy 2:14–26

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

²⁰Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, ⁿbut also those of wood and clay, some for honorable ^ouse, some for dishonorable. ^pq21So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, ^rhe will be a special ^sinstrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. ^t

²²Flee ^ufrom youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, ^valong with those who call on the Lord ^wfrom a pure heart. ²³But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. ²⁴The Lord’s ^xslave must not quarrel, ^ybut must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, ^zand patient, ²⁵instructing his opponents with gentleness. ^aPerhaps God will grant them repentance ^bleading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, ^chaving been captured by him to do his will. ^d