One Year Bible New Testament Sampler, Lakeside Haven - Flipbook - Page 31
OCTOBER
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2 TIMOTHY 2:22–3:17
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness,
love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
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Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient
with difficult people. 25Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change
those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26Then they will come to their senses and
escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2For
people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing
at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3They
will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will
be cruel and hate what is good. 4They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with
pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5They will act religious, but they will reject the power
that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
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They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7(Such
women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)
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These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday
everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.
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But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is.
You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11You know how much persecution
and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium,
and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly
life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13But evil people and impostors will flourish. They
will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
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But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for
you know you can trust those who taught you. 15You have been taught the holy Scriptures from
childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting
in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to
make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to
do what is right. 17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
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