2 Timothy, 2
He exhorts him to diligence in his office and patience in suffering. The danger of the delusions of heretics.
[1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in Christ Jesus: •
[2] And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men who shall be fit to teach others also. •
[3] Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. •
[4] No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses: that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself. •
[5] For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must first partake of the fruits. •
[7] Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding. •
[8] Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel: •
[9] Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound. •
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory. •
[11] A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him. •
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. •
[13] If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he cannot deny himself. •
[14] Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words: for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. •
[15] Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. •
[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness. •
[17] And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus: •
[18] Who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some. •
[19] But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord. •
[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour. •
[21] If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work. •
[22] But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. •
[23] And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes. •
[24] But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild toward all men, apt to teach, patient, •
[25] With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth; •
[26] And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil by whom they are held captive at his will. •