Analogies of soldiers and athletes
1 You then, my child, be empowered by the favor of Christ Jesus. 2 And whatever you heard from me through many witnesses, present it as evidence to trustworthy people who will be competent to teach others. 3 Participate in suffering as a good warrior of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled with the everyday business of life but pleases their recruiter. 5 Or if anyone competes in athletics, they won’t win the prize if they didn’t compete according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer gets a share of the produce. 7 Grasp what I’m saying, for the Master will give you complete understanding in all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, the one who was raised from the dead, of the lineage of David, according to my good news. 8 9 In this I am suffering to the point of being locked up like a criminal— though the Word of God is not locked up! 10 I endure it all for the sake of the Chosen, that they too might happen upon the eternal, honorable salvation in Christ Jesus. 11 This saying is trustworthy: If we died together we will live together; 12 if we endure we will reign together; if we renounce him he will renounce us; 13 if we are not faithful he remains faithful, because he cannot renounce himself.
Avoiding distractions and naming false teachers
14 Gently remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them before God not to engage in a war of words. This is good for nothing; in fact, it’s catastrophic for those who hear it. 15 Make every effort to prove yourself to God as having passed the test, an unashamed worker who cuts a straight path through the Word of Truth. 16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, because it gets progressively worse, 17 spreading like gangrene. Examples of this are Hymeneus and Philetos, 18 who have completely missed the mark as far as truth is concerned. They say that the final resurrection has already happened, undermining the faith of some. 19 But the foundation of God stands solid and is sealed with this: “The Master knew his own,” and “Let all who claim the name of the Master separate themselves from unrighteousness.”
Strive to be useful and a good role model
20 In a large house there are not only containers of gold and silver, but also those of wood and clay; some are of great worth while others are worthless. 21 So whoever purges themselves from these things will be a container of great worth, having been consecrated and useful to the owner, and prepared for all kinds of good activities.
22 So run away from the lure of young radicals, but toward righteousness, faith, love, and peace, right along with those who call upon the Master from a clean heart. 23 Avoid stupid and ignorant investigations which only spawn fights. 24 A slave of the Master doesn’t need to fight, but is kind toward all, qualified to teach, and thick-skinned. 25 Train them with gentleness, because God may grant that these who resist will turn to him and recognize the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses out from the trap of the devil, who had captured them to do his bidding.
- 8 For
my good news
, see the note on Rom. 2:16