| 章 |
| 2:1 |
You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus;
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| 2:2 |
and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.
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| 2:3 |
Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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| 2:4 |
No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier's aim is to please the enlisting officer.
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| 2:5 |
And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.
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| 2:6 |
It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops.
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| 2:7 |
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
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| 2:8 |
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-- that is my gospel,
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| 2:9 |
for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.
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| 2:10 |
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
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| 2:11 |
The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
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| 2:12 |
if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;
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| 2:13 |
if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself.
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| 2:14 |
Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.
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| 2:15 |
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.
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| 2:16 |
Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety,
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| 2:17 |
and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
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| 2:18 |
who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some.
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| 2:19 |
But God's firm foundation stands, 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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| 2:20 |
In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary.
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| 2:21 |
All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.
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| 2:22 |
Shun 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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| 2:23 |
Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
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| 2:24 |
And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient,
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| 2:25 |
correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth,
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| 2:26 |
and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
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