Be Strong in Grace
4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.
5Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead2:8 Mt 17:9; Jn 21:14 and descended from David, according to my gospel,
9for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.
For if we died with him,2:11 Jn 8:51
we will also live with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13if we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.
An Approved Worker
14Remind them of these things, and charge them before God2:14 Other mss read before the Lord not to fight about words.2:14 1Tm 6:4 This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.
15Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.2:15 Eph 1:13; Col 1:5; Jms 1:18
16Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness,2:16 Jd 18
18They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place,2:18 Ac 17:32; 1Co 15:12–17; 2Th 2:1–2 and are ruining the faith of some.2:18 1Tm 1:19; 6:21
19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription:2:19 Jos 23:7; Est 9:4; Is 26:13; Rm 15:20; Eph 1:21 The Lord knows those who are his,2:19Nm 16:52:19 Nm 16:5; Pr 2:6; Jn 10:14,27; 1Co 8:3 and let everyone who calls on the name2:19 Ac 15:14 of2:19 Lit everyone who names the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.2:19 Lv 24:11,16; Nm 16:26–27; Jos 23:7; Ps 6:9; 33:15; Pr 3:7; Is 26:13; 52:11; Jr 20:9
22Flee2:22 1Tm 4:12; 6:11; Jms 4:7 from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,2:22 Lk 12:51; 2Tm 1:2; Heb 12:14; 3Jn 14 along with those who call on the Lord2:22 Gn 13:4 from a pure heart.
23But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.
24The Lord’s2:24 Rv 11:8 servant must not quarrel,2:24 Jn 6:52; Ac 7:26; Jms 4:2 but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,2:24 Or everyone, skillful in teaching and patient,
25instructing his opponents with gentleness.2:25 Jms 3:13 Perhaps God will grant them repentance2:25 Ac 26:20; Rm 2:4; 2Co 7:9–10 leading them to the knowledge of the truth.
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