2 Timothy

2.1-26

Here, Paul calls Timothy to expect the hardships of Christian service, acknowledging that there will be difficulties. A soldier is no longer woven into the affairs of daily life, an athlete must compete by the rules, and a farmer is hard-working, but God gives insight. In all these, we must endure if we are to reign with Christ. Because the issue of false teaching has remained, Paul not only names offenders (Hymenaeus had been mentioned previously as well) but cites how to respond. The key is in diligently handling the word of truth. Certainly, this would involve knowing scripture, but it would also mean knowing how to resolve issues of false teaching. There are doctrines not worthy of debate. The consequences of allowing disputes in these matters will lead others to ruin and further ungodliness. Instead, Paul affirms "sanctification," which means to be "set apart." We need to understand both meanings: 1) set apart "from" sin, and 2) set apart "for" God. As we grow, we learn the truths of God's Word and the Gospel. To deliver those truths, we cannot become so proud that we become obstacles to the delivery of truth. Verses 23-26 identify how we can avoid becoming the obstacle.

CHAPTER 2

Remember Jesus Christ

1 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
7 Understand what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel,
9 for which I endure hardship even to chains as a criminal. But the word of God has not been chained.
10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 It is a trustworthy saying:
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we will deny Him, He also will deny us;
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Accurately Handle the Word of Truth

14 Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
16 But avoid godless and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
17 and their word will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS,” and, “EVERYONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF THE LORD is to DEPART FROM WICKEDNESS.”
20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of clay, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work.
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
24 And the Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth,
26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.