Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

¹⁴ Be reminding them of these things, solemnly-warning in the sight of God not to battle-about-words for nothing useful^[a], to^[b] the overthrow^[c] of the ones hearing.

Be Diligent To Present Yourself As an Approved Worker of The Word of Truth

¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker not-needing-to-be-ashamed, cutting-straight^[d] the word of truth.

Shun Worthless Talk. Be an Honorable, Useful Vessel Prepared For Good Works

¹⁶ But be shunning the profane^[e] empty-chatterings. For they^[f] will advance further in ungodliness, ¹⁷ and their talk^[g] will have a spreading like gangrene— of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who missed-the-mark with regard to the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning^[h] the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal— “The Lord knows the ones being His” and “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness”. ²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and made-of-clay— even some for honor and others for dishonor. ²¹ If then one cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor— having been sanctified^[i], useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work.

Flee Youthful Desires. Pursue Righteousness, Faith, Love And Peace

²² And be fleeing the youthful desires, and be pursuing righteousness, faith, love, peace, with the ones calling-upon the Lord from a pure heart.

Decline Foolish Controversies. Be Kind, Skillful At Teaching, Gentle At Correcting

²³ And be declining the foolish and ignorant controversies, knowing that they breed battles. ²⁴ And a slave of the Lord must not battle, but must be kind to everyone, skillful-at-teaching, forbearing^[j], ²⁵ correcting the ones opposing with gentleness, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading-to the knowledge of the truth ²⁶ and they may return-to-their-senses from the snare of the devil, having been caught^[k] by him, for the will of that one^[l].