Through My Bible Yr 01 – January 25

Encouragement to Be Strong

¹ You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² Entrust the things you heard from me, in the presence of many witnesses, to faithful men who will also be able to teach others.

³ Share hardships as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the affairs of everyday life. If he does, he will not please the one who enlisted him. ⁵ Also, if someone competes as an athlete, he does not receive a crown unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should receive a share of the crops first. ⁷ Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, a descendant ^[1] of David, in accordance with my gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. ¹⁰ For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain ^[2] the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, along with eternal glory. ¹¹ This saying is trustworthy:

Correctly Handle the Word of Truth

¹⁴ Remind people of these things, as you solemnly charge them in the presence of God ^[3] not to fight about words, which does no good and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵ Make every effort to present yourself to God as one who is approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, correctly handling ^[4] the word of truth. ¹⁶ As for pointless chatter, avoid it, for it will lead to an ever greater measure of godlessness, ¹⁷ and their message will spread like gangrene. This includes Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have veered away from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are overturning the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s foundation stands firm, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” ^[5] and “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord keep away from wickedness.” ^[6]

²⁰ In a large house there are articles ^[7] not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay—some for honorable use and some for dishonorable use. ²¹ So if anyone cleanses himself thoroughly from these things, he will be an instrument ^[8] for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master, and prepared to do every good work.

²² Flee from the lusts young people have and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ²³ But avoid foolish and ignorant arguments, since you know they breed quarrels. ²⁴ It is necessary that a servant of the Lord not quarrel but be kind toward everyone, able to teach, able to bear evil without resentment, ²⁵ and gentle in correcting those who oppose him. God may grant them repentance, leading to the knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the Devil’s trap, after they were captured by him to do his will.