A Worker Approved by God

2 Timothy 2

14 Remind them of these things, t charging them before the Lord not to 1 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 2 idle babblings, for they will 3 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 4 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, 5 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 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:20
    Of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
  4. 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?
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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?
  8. 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.
  9. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:11
    But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
  10. Cross References
    Titus 3:2
    To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Cross References
    1 Timothy 2:4
    Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
  16. 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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