2 Timothy 2:8-3:9

New International Version

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,^(A) descended from David.^(B) This is my gospel,^{(C) 9} for which I am suffering^(D) even to the point of being chained^(E) like a criminal. But God’s word^(F) is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(G) for the sake of the elect,^(H) that they too may obtain the salvation^(I) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(J)

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:^(K)

Dealing With False Teachers

¹⁴ Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;^(P) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.^{(Q) 16} Avoid godless chatter,^(R) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ¹⁷ Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus^(S) and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,^(T) and they destroy the faith of some.^{(U) 19} Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,^(V) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”^(W) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord^(X) must turn away from wickedness.”

²⁰ In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.^{(Y) 21} Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.^(Z)

²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love^(AA) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord^(AB) out of a pure heart.^{(AC) 23} Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.^{(AD) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^{(AE) 25} Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^{(AF) 26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(AG) who has taken them captive to do his will.

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.^{(AH) 2} People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,^(AI) boastful, proud,^(AJ) abusive,^(AK) disobedient to their parents,^(AL) ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous,^(AM) rash, conceited,^(AN) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness^(AO) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.^(AP)

⁶ They are the kind who worm their way^(AQ) into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷ always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.^{(AR) 8} Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses,^(AS) so also these teachers oppose^(AT) the truth. They are men of depraved minds,^(AU) who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ⁹ But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men,^(AV) their folly will be clear to everyone.