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You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
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2
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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. |
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3
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Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
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A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. |
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Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. |
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The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. |
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Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things. |
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Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, |
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for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! |
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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. |
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This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; |
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if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; |
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if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. |
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Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. |
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Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. |
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But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, |
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and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, |
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who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some. |
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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.” |
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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. |
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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. |
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Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. |
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But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. |
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And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. |
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He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. |
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Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will. |
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