An Unashamed Worker

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, and solemnly ^(A)exhort them in the presence of God not to ^(B)dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. ¹⁵ Be diligent to ^(C)present yourself approved to God as a worker who ^[a]does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling ^(D)the word of truth. ¹⁶ But ^(E)avoid ^(F)worldly and empty chatter, for ^[b]it will lead to further ungodliness, ¹⁷ and their ^[c]talk will spread like ^[d]gangrene. Among them are ^(G)Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ men who have gone astray from the truth, claiming that ^(H)the resurrection has already taken place; and they are jeopardizing ^(I)the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless, the ^(J)firm foundation of God stands, having this ^(K)seal: “^(L)The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “^(M)Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.”

²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and ^(N)some are for honor while others are for dishonor. ²¹ Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from ^(O)these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, ^(P)prepared for every good work.