A Worker Approved by God

¹⁴ Remind them of this, and warn them before the Lord^[a] that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.^{(A) 15} Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people^[b] into more and more impiety,^{(B) 17} and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,^{(C) 18} who have swerved from the truth, saying resurrection^[c] has already occurred. They are upsetting the faith of some.^{(D) 19} But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.”^(E)

²⁰ In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special^[d] use, some for ordinary.^{[e](F) 21} All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned^[f] will become special^[g] utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.^{(G) 22} Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.^{(H) 23} Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.^{(I) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient,^{(J) 25} correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth^{(K) 26} and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.^[h]

Godlessness in the Last Days

3 You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. ² For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,^{(A) 3} unfeeling, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good,^{(B) 4} treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,^{(C) 5} holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them! ⁶ For among them are those who make their way into households and captivate immature women, overwhelmed by their sins and swayed by all kinds of desires,^{(D) 7} who are always studying yet never able to recognize truth.

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

¹⁰ Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,^{(A) 11} my persecutions, and my sufferings, the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.^{(B) 12} Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.^{(C) 13} But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived.^{(D) 14} But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it ¹⁵ and how from childhood you have known sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All scripture is inspired by God and is^[a] useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,^{(E) 17} so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.^(F)