| Common English Bible (CEB) |
New International Version (NIV) |
|
1 So, my child, draw your strength from the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
|
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
|
|
2 Take the things you heard me say in front of many other witnesses and pass them on to faithful people who are also capable of teaching others.
|
2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
|
|
3 Accept your share of suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
|
3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
|
|
4 Nobody who serves in the military gets tied up with civilian matters, so that they can please the one who recruited them.
|
4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.
|
|
5 Also in the same way, athletes don't win unless they follow the rules.
|
5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.
|
|
6 A hardworking farmer should get the first share of the crop.
|
6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
|
|
7 Think about what I'm saying; the Lord will give you understanding about everything.
|
7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
|
|
8 Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news.
|
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
|
|
9 This is the reason I'm suffering to the point that I'm in prison like a common criminal. But God's word cannot be imprisoned.
|
9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.
|
|
10 This is why I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen by God so that they too may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
|
10 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.
|
|
11 This saying is reliable: "If we have died together, we will also live together.
|
11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
|
|
12 If we endure, we will also rule together. If we deny him, he will also deny us.
|
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
|
|
13 If we are disloyal, he stays faithful" because he can't be anything else than what he is.
|
13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
|
|
14 Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren't helpful and only destroy those who hear them.
|
14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
|
|
15 Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn't need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly.
|
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
|
|
16 Avoid their godless discussions, because they will lead many people into ungodly behavior,
|
16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
|
|
17 and their ideas will spread like an infection. This includes Hymenaeus and Philetus,
|
17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
|
|
18 who have deviated from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already happened. This has undermined some people's faith.
|
18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
|
|
19 God's solid foundation is still standing with this sign: The Lord knows the people who belong to him, and Everyone who confesses the Lord's name must avoid wickedness.
|
19 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."
|
|
20 In a mansion, there aren't just gold and silver bowls but also some bowls that are made of wood and clay. Some are meant for special uses, some for garbage.
|
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.
|
|
21 So if anyone washes filth off themselves, they will be set apart as a "special bowl." They will be useful to the owner of the mansion for every sort of good work.
|
21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
|
|
22 Run away from adolescent cravings. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart.
|
22 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.
|
|
23 Avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions, since you know that they produce conflicts.
|
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
|
|
24 God's slave shouldn't be argumentative but should be kind toward all people, able to teach, patient,
|
24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
|
|
25 and should correct opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will change their mind and give them a knowledge of the truth.
|
25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
|
|
26 They may come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap that holds them captive to do his will.
|
26 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.
|
| Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible (Common English Bible) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
