Study Desk

And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come.

They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.

But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.

But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.

Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion's mouth!

But now in his own time he has made his message evident through the preaching I was entrusted with according to the command of God our Savior.

All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him, since they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.

But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.

Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good.

not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

They must not slander anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people.

But "when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,

he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty.

who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you and me.

However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.