Read the Bible

Serving Faithfully Despite Hardship

¹ So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. ³ Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. ⁵ Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. ⁷ Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, ⁹ for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God's message is not imprisoned! ¹⁰ So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory. ¹¹ This saying is trustworthy:

Dealing with False Teachers

¹⁴ Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. ¹⁵ Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. ¹⁶ But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, ¹⁷ and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. ¹⁸ They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people's faith. ¹⁹ However, God's solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil."

²⁰ Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. ²¹ So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. ²² But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ²³ But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. ²⁴ And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, ²⁵ correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth ²⁶ and they will come to their senses and escape the devil's trap where they are held captive to do his will.