Contend for the Faith

³ Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you ^(A)concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting ^(B)you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Be Loyal to the Faith

^13 (A)Hold fast ^(B)the pattern of ^(C)sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

² And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

^15 (A)Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But shun profane and ^[a]idle babblings, for they will ^[b]increase to more ungodliness. ¹⁷ And their message will spread like cancer. ^(B)Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, ¹⁸ who have strayed concerning the truth, ^(C)saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless ^(D)the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord ^(E)knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of ^[c]Christ depart from iniquity.”

^25 (A)in humility correcting those who are in opposition, ^(B)if God perhaps will grant them repentance, ^(C)so that they may know the truth,

^16 (A)All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, ^(B)and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for ^[a]instruction in righteousness, ^17 (C)that the man of God may be complete, ^(D)thoroughly equipped for every good work.

² Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. ^(A)Convince, ^(B)rebuke, ^(C)exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. ^3 (D)For the time will come when they will not endure ^(E)sound doctrine, ^(F)but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and ^(G)be turned aside to fables. ⁵ But you be watchful in all things, ^(H)endure afflictions, do the work of ^(I)an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

^9 (A)A little leaven leavens the whole lump.