[Chapter
2 Synopsis: Further encouragements to pursue his ministry,
not being distracted by opposition, being righteous and holy and
utterly available to God.]
v.1-13
A Call to endure Suffering
[Passage
Synopsis: Stay strong, pass on the teaching, be totally
focused on your ministry and don't be deflected by persecution;
die to self, live to him, stick with it and reign.]
v.1
(so let God's grace keep
you strong) You then, my son,
be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
v.2
(make sure you pass on
the message) And the things
you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust
to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
v.3
(put up with the suffering
(opposition), seeing it as part of the package) Join
with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
v.4 (remember
a soldier is focused on his service) No
one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but
rather tries to please his commanding officer.
v.5
(likewise an athlete
is focused on winning) Similarly,
anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's
crown except by competing according to the rules.
v.6
(and it's a diligent
farmer who gets the crops) The
hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the
crops.
v.7
(the Lord will help you
understand all this) Reflect
on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all
this.
v.8,9
(focus on Jesus who died
and rose, often the cause of the opposition we face) Remember
Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This
is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point
of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.
v.10 (we
put up with it for the sake of the other believers) Therefore
I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may
obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
v.11-13
(remember the saying
about dying, living, enduring and thus reigning and what follows
it) Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him, we will also live with him; if
we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he
will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains
faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
v.14-26
Be Sober & Watchful in your teaching ministry, maintaining
righteous living
[Passage
Synopsis: Maintain your ministry of teaching and sharing
the gospel, avoiding silly thinking; trusting in God and seeking
to be most available to Him.]
v.14 (teach
this and teach peaceful living) Keep
reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against
quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those
who listen.
v.15 (fulfil
your ministry and don't be ashamed) Do
your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker
who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the
word of truth.
v.16
(avoid gossip and foolish
speculations) Avoid godless
chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and
more ungodly.
v.17,18
(beware those who do
that) Their teaching will spread
like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have
departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already
taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
v.19
(there will be detractors
but God knows and keep those who are His) Nevertheless,
God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription:
“The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses
the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
v.20
(remember, different
people, different levels of belief and service) In
a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver,
but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some
for common use.
v.21
(those who hold themselves
holy will be used by Him) Those
who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for
special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared
to do any good work.
v.22
(escape youthful passions
and go for goodness) Flee the
evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and
peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
v.23
(avoid silly arguments
that only cause upsets) Don't
have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because
you know they produce quarrels.
v.24
(but you, as God's servant
must be a peacemaker, a gentle bringer of truth) And
the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to
everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
v.25,26 (gently
correct the wrong in the hope they will come to repentance)
Opponents must be gently instructed,
in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to
a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses
and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive
to do his will.
Continue
to Chapter 3