Study Desk

The Appeal Renewed

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

And the things you have heard me say^(c) in the presence of many witnesses^(d) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Join with me in suffering,^(e) like a good soldier^(f) of Christ Jesus.

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown^(g) except by competing according to the rules.

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.^(h)

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,⁽ⁱ⁾ descended from David.^(j) This is my gospel,^(k)

for which I am suffering^(l) even to the point of being chained^(m) like a criminal. But God's word⁽ⁿ⁾ is not chained.

Therefore I endure everything^(o) for the sake of the elect,^(p) that they too may obtain the salvation^(q) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(r)

Here is a trustworthy saying:^(s) If we died with him, we will also live with him;^(t)

if we endure, we will also reign with him.^(u) If we disown him, he will also disown us;^(v)

if we are faithless, he remains faithful,^(w) for he cannot disown himself.

Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;^(x) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.^(y)

Avoid godless chatter,^(z) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus^(aa) and Philetus,

who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,^(ab) and they destroy the faith of some.^(ac)

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm,^(ad) sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his,"^(ae) and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord^(af) must turn away from wickedness."

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.^(ag)

Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.^(ah)

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love^(ai) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord^(aj) out of a pure heart.^(ak)

Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.^(al)

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^(am)

Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^(an)

and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(ao) who has taken them captive to do his will.