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New American Bible 2002 11 11 IntraText - Text |
Chapter 2
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1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.
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Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life.
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Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner's crown except by competing according to the rules.
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The hardworking farmer ought to have the first share of the crop.
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Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
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2 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel,
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for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.
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Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.
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This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him;
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if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us.
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If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
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3 Remind people of these things and charge them before God 4 to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.
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Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
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Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless,
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and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
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who have deviated from the truth by saying that (the) resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some.
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Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, "The Lord knows those who are his"; and, "Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil."
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In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use.
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If anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
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So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith,love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord 5 with purity of heart.
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Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels.
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A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant,
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correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth,
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6 and that they may return to their senses out of the devil's snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will.