Outline
Introduction (1:1-4)Paul's Concern for Timothy (1:5-14)Paul's Situation (1:15-18)- Special Instructions to Timothy (ch. 2)
Warning about the Last Days (ch. 3)Paul's Departing Remarks (4:1-8)Final Requests, Greetings and Benediction (4:9-22)
2 Timothy 2 NLT
1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong
through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.
2 You have heard me teach things that
have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other
trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a
good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the
affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted
them.
5 And athletes cannot win the prize
unless they follow the rules.
6 And hardworking farmers should be the
first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
7 Think about what I am saying. The
Lord will help you understand all these things.
8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a
descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.
9 And because I preach this Good News,
I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God
cannot be chained.
10 So I am willing to endure anything if
it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has
chosen.
11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we
die with him, we will also live with him.
12 If we endure hardship, we will reign
with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful, he remains
faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
14 Remind everyone about these things,
and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments
are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
15 Work hard so you can present yourself
to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be
ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that
only leads to more godless behavior.
17 This kind of talk spreads like
cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
18 They have left the path of truth,
claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way,
they have turned some people away from the faith.
19 But God’s truth stands firm like a
foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and
“All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.”
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are
made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive
utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday
use.
21 If you keep yourself pure, you will
be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will
be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22 Run from anything that stimulates
youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and
peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure
hearts.
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in
foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel
but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult
people.
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the
truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the
truth.
26 Then they will come
to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held
captive by him to do whatever he wants.
