An Approved Worker

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, and charge them before God^[a] not to fight about words.^(A) This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.^{(B) 16} Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness,^{(C) 17} and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus^(D) and Philetus are among them. ¹⁸ They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place,^(E) and are ruining the faith of some.^{(F) 19} Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription:^(G) The Lord knows those who are his,^[b](H) and let everyone who calls on the name^(I) of^[c] the Lord turn away from wickedness.^(J)

²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels,^(K) but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable^[d] use and some for dishonorable.^{[e](L) 21} So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,^[f] he will be a special^[g] instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.^(M)

²² Flee^(N) from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,^(O) along with those who call on the Lord^(P) from a pure heart. ²³ But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s^(Q) servant must not quarrel,^(R) but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[h] and patient, ²⁵ instructing his opponents with gentleness.^(S) Perhaps God will grant them repentance^(T) leading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil,^(U) who has taken them captive to do his will.^(V)

ב Beth

The Spirit versus the Flesh

¹⁶ I say, then, walk by the Spirit^(A) and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires^(B) what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.^{(C) 18} But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious:^[a] sexual immorality,^(D) moral impurity,^(E) promiscuity,^{(F) 20} idolatry,^(G) sorcery,^(H) hatreds,^(I) strife,^(J) jealousy,^(K) outbursts of anger,^(L) selfish ambitions,^(M) dissensions,^(N) factions,^{(O) 21} envy,^[b](P) drunkenness, carousing,^(Q) and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.^(R)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit^(S) is love,^(T) joy,^(U) peace, patience,^(V) kindness,^(W) goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness,^(X) and self-control.^(Y) The law is not against such things.^{[c] 24} Now those who belong to Christ Jesus^(Z) have crucified the flesh^(AA) with its passions and desires.^{(AB) 25} If we live^(AC) by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.