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.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 2:15 Or has no reason to
  2. 2 Timothy 2:16 Lit they will make further progress in ungodliness
  3. 2 Timothy 2:17 Lit word
  4. 2 Timothy 2:17 Or cancer

14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

An Approved Worker

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer,[a] as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”[b] and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”[c]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2:17 Greek gangrene.
  2. 2:19a Num 16:5.
  3. 2:19b See Isa 52:11.