2 Timothy 2

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

1 You therefore, a my son, b be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must c endure 1 hardship d as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 e No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also f if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and 2 may the Lord g give you understanding in all things.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ, h of the seed of David, i was raised from the dead j according to my gospel, 9 k for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, l even to the point of chains; m but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore n I endure all things for the sake of the 3 elect, o that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 This is a faithful saying:
For p if we died with Him,
We shall also live with Him.
12 q If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
r If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.

13 If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He s cannot deny Himself.

A Worker Approved by God

14 Remind them of these things, t charging them before the Lord not to 4 strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 u Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and 5 idle babblings, for they will 6 increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. v Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, w saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless x the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord y knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of 7 Christ depart from iniquity."

20 But in a great house there are not only z vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, 8 sanctified and useful for the Master, a prepared for every good work.

22 b Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And c a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, d able to teach, e patient, 25 f in humility correcting those who are in opposition, g if God perhaps will grant them repentance, h so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and i escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

  1. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:2
    To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
  2. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:10
    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
  3. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:5
    But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
  4. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:7
    Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?
    1 Timothy 1:18
    This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.
  5. Cross References
    2 Peter 2:20
    For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.
  6. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:25
    And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
  7. Cross References
    Proverbs 2:6
    For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
  8. Cross References
    Romans 1:3
    Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh.
    Romans 1:4
    And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
  9. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:4
    And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
  10. Cross References
    Romans 2:16
    In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
  11. Cross References
    Acts 9:16
    "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
  12. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:1
    For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles -
  13. Cross References
    Acts 28:31
    Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
    2 Timothy 4:17
    But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
  14. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:13
    Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
  15. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:6
    Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
    1 Thessalonians 5:9
    For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  16. Cross References
    Romans 6:5
    For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.
    Romans 6:8
    Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.
    1 Thessalonians 5:10
    Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 19:28
    So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
    Luke 22:29
    And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me.
    Romans 5:17
    For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
    Romans 8:17
    And if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
  18. Cross References
    Matthew 10:33
    But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
    Luke 12:9
    But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
    1 Timothy 5:8
    But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
  19. Cross References
    Numbers 23:19
    God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
    Titus 1:2
    In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.
  20. Cross References
    1 Timothy 5:21
    I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.
    1 Timothy 6:4
    He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions.
    2 Timothy 2:23
    But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
    Titus 3:9
    But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
  21. Cross References
    1 Timothy 4:13
    Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
    2 Peter 1:10
    Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.
  22. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:20
    Of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
  23. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:12
    Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
  24. Cross References
    Matthew 24:24
    For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
    1 Corinthians 3:11
    For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
  25. Cross References
    Numbers 16:5
    And he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, "Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. That one whom He chooses He will cause to come near to Him.
    Nahum 1:7
    The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.
    John 10:14
    I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
    John 10:27
    My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
  26. Cross References
    Romans 9:21
    Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
  27. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:8
    And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
    Ephesians 2:10
    For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
    2 Timothy 3:17
    That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
  28. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:11
    But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
  29. Cross References
    Titus 3:2
    To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
  30. Cross References
    Titus 1:9
    Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
  31. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:3
    Not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous.
    Titus 1:7
    For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money.
  32. Cross References
    Galatians 6:1
    Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
    Titus 3:2
    To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
    1 Peter 3:15
    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
  33. Cross References
    Acts 8:22
    Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
  34. Cross References
    1 Timothy 2:4
    Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
  35. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:7
    Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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