CHAPTER 2
And
the things that
you have heard
me say
among
many
witnesses,
entrust
these
to faithful
men
who
will be
qualified
to teach
others
as well.
A soldier
refrains from
entangling himself
in
civilian
affairs,
in order
to please
the one who
enlisted him.
for
which
I suffer
to the extent of
being chained
like
a criminal.
But
the
word
of God
cannot be chained!
For this reason
I endure
all things
for the sake of
the
elect,
so that
they
too
may obtain
the salvation
that is
in
Christ
Jesus,
with
eternal
glory.
Remind the believers
of these things,
charging them
before
God
to avoid
quarreling over words;
this is
in no way
profitable,
and leads
its
listeners
to ruin.
Make every effort
to present
yourself
approved
to God,
an unashamed
workman
who accurately handles
the
word
of truth.
who
have deviated
from
the
truth.
They say that
the
resurrection
has already occurred,
and
they undermine
the
faith
of some.
Nevertheless,
God’s
firm
foundation
stands,
bearing
this
seal:
“The Lord
knows
those who
are
His,”
and,
“Everyone
who
calls on
the
name
of the Lord
must turn away
from
iniquity.”
A large
house
contains
not
only
vessels
of gold
and
silver,
but
also
of wood
and
clay.
Some
indeed
are for
honorable use,
but
others
are for
common use.
So
if
anyone
cleanses
himself
of
what is unfit,
he will be
a vessel
for
honor:
sanctified,
useful
to the
Master,
and prepared
for
every
good
work.
Flee from
youthful
passions
and
pursue
righteousness,
faith,
love,
and peace,
along with
those who
call on
the
Lord
out of
a pure
heart.
And
a servant
of the Lord
must
not
be quarrelsome,
but
he must be
kind
to
everyone,
able to teach,
and forbearing.
He must gently
reprove
those who
oppose him,
in the hope that
God
may grant
them
repentance
leading to
a knowledge
of the truth.
Then
they will come to their senses
and escape
the
snare
of the
devil,
who
has taken them captive
to
his
will.