2.9 KiB
Be Strong in Grace
Chapter 2
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You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
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Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.
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Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
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The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.
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Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
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Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel,
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for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.
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This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
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This saying is trustworthy: For if we died with him, we will also live with him;
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if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;
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if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
An Approved Worker
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Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.
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Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.
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Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness,
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and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them.
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They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some.
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Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his,** and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.
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Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable.
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So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
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Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
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But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.
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The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient,
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instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.
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Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.