Immerse: Messiah - Flipbook - Page 265
2:14–3:8
2 T im o th y
253
Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s
presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they
can ruin those who hear them.
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval.
Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only
leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as
in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth,
claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way,
they have turned some people away from the faith.
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription:
“The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord
must turn away from evil.”
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some
are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure,
you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and
you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
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.
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only
start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to
everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s
hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then 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. For 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. They will be unloving
and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They
will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will
act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.
Stay away from people like that!
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. (Such women are forever following new
teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) These teachers
