A Worker Approved by God

2 Timothy 2

14 Remind them of these things, and y charge them before God 1 z not to quarrel about words, a which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, 2 a worker b who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But c avoid d irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are e Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, f saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: g "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone h who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."

20 Now in i a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, j some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, k if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, 3 he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, l ready for every good work.

22 So m flee n youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with o those who call on the Lord p from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant q controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And r the Lord's servant 4 must not be quarrelsome but s kind to everyone, t able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents u with gentleness. God v may perhaps grant them repentance w leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from x the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

  1. Cross References
    1 Timothy 5:21
    In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
    1 Timothy 6:13
    I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession.
  2. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:4
    He is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions.
    2 Timothy 2:23
    Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
  3. Cross References
    Titus 3:9
    But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
  4. Cross References
    Philippians 1:20
    As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
  5. Cross References
    Titus 3:9
    But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
  6. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:20
    O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge.
  7. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:20
    Among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
  8. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:12
    Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
  9. Cross References
    Numbers 16:5
    And he said to Korah and all his company, "In t...
    Nahum 1:7
    The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of tr...
    John 10:14
    I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my ow...
    John 10:27
    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and th...
    Luke 13:27
    But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know whe...
    1 Corinthians 8:3
    But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.
  10. Cross References
    Isaiah 26:13
    O Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone we bring to remembrance.
  11. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:15
    If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
  12. Cross References
    Romans 9:21
    Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?
  13. Cross References
    Proverbs 25:4
    Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel.
    Isaiah 52:11
    Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the Lord.
  14. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:17
    That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
    Titus 3:1
    Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.
    1 Timothy 5:10
    And having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
  15. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:11
    But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
  16. Cross References
    1 Timothy 4:12
    Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
  17. Cross References
    Acts 7:59
    And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
    Acts 9:14
    And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.
  18. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:5
    The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
  19. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:4
    He is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions.
  20. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:3
    Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
  21. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 2:7
    But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.
  22. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:2
    Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
  23. Cross References
    Galatians 6:1
    Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
    Titus 3:2
    To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
    1 Timothy 6:11
    But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
    1 Peter 3:15
    But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
  24. Cross References
    Daniel 4:27
    Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.
    Acts 8:22
    Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
    Acts 5:31
    God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
  25. Cross References
    1 Timothy 2:4
    Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
  26. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:7
    Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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