Bible Time

¹YOU, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Messiah. ²And the things which you have heard from me by many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to also teach others. ³Therefore, endure hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Messiah. ⁴No man can be a soldier and also entangle himself with the things of this life, if he would please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. ⁵And if man also strive for mastery in a contest, he is not crowned except he compete lawfully. ⁶The farmer who labors should be the first to be sustained by the fruits. ⁷Perceive these things, and may our Lord give you wisdom in all things.

⁸Remember Jesus Messiah who rose from the dead, he who was a descendant from David according to my gospel; ⁹Because of him I suffer hardships, even to bonds like a malefactor; but the word of God is not restricted. ¹⁰Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Jesus Messiah, with eternal glory. ¹¹This is a true saying: For if we die with him, we will also live with him: ¹²If we suffer, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; ¹³But if we do not believe in him, yet he will still remain faithful; for he cannot deny himself.

¹⁴You should keep these things in remembrance as a testimony before our Lord, that the faithful should not argue over words in which there is no profit but which are destruction to those who listen to them. ¹⁵Strive to conduct yourself perfectly before God, as a soldier without disgrace and one who preaches straightforwardly the word of truth. ¹⁶Shun empty and worthless words, for they only increase the ungodliness of those who argue over them. ¹⁷And their word will be like a canker eating in many; such are Hymenaeus, and Philetus, ¹⁸Who have strayed from the truth, saying that the resurrection of the dead is already passed, thus destroying the faith of some.

¹⁹Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are his, and he will save from iniquity everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. ²⁰But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; some for formal use on occasions of honor and others for service. ²¹If therefore a man purifies himself from these things, he will become like a vessel pure for honor, worthy of the master's use, and ready for every good work.

²²Keep away from all the lusts of youth, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on our Lord with a pure heart. ²³Keep away from foolish disputes which do not educate; you know they cause strife. ²⁴A servant of our Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle to all men, apt at teaching and patient, ²⁵So that he may discipline gently those who argue against him; and perhaps God will grant them repentance and they will know the truth, ²⁶And come to themselves, and be saved from the trap of Satan, by whom they have been drawn to his will.