Study Desk

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace^(a) that is in Christ Jesus.

And what you have heard from me^(b) in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful^(c) men who will be able to teach others also.

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.^(d)

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter.

Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.^(e)

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead^(f) and descended from David. This is according to my gospel.

I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God's message is not bound.

This is why I endure^(g) all things for the elect:^(h) so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.⁽ⁱ⁾

This saying is trustworthy:^(j) For if we have died with Him,^(k) we will also live with Him;

if we endure, we will also reign^(l) with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Remind them of these things, charging them before God^[a] not to fight about words;^(m) this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.⁽ⁿ⁾

But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.^(o)

And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus^(p) and Philetus are among them.

They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place,^(q) and are overturning the faith of some.^(r)

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription:^(s) The Lord knows those who are His, ^(t)[b] and Everyone who names the name^(u) of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness.^(v)

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls,^(w) but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable^[c] use, some for dishonorable.^[d](x)

So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,^[e] he will be a special^[f] instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.^(y)

Flee^(z) from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,^(aa) along with those who call on the Lord^(ab) from a pure heart.

But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

The Lord's^(ac) slave must not quarrel,^(ad) but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[g] and patient,

instructing his opponents with gentleness.^(ae) Perhaps God will grant them repentance^(af) leading them to the knowledge of the truth.

Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's trap,^(ag) having been captured by him to do his will.^(ah)