Hebrew Names Version HNV
The Message Bible MSG
1 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
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Whoever is a slave must make the best of it, giving respect to his master so that outsiders don't blame God and our teaching for his behavior.
2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
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Slaves with Christian masters all the more so - their masters are really their beloved brothers!
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
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If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction,
4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
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tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors.
5 constant friction of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
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Eventually there's an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
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A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out.
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Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless,
8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
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if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.
9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
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But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.
11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
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But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life - a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Lay hold of the eternal life, whereunto you were called, and confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
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Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.
13 I charge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and of Messiah Yeshua, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,
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I'm charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn't give an inch:
14 that you keep the mitzvah, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah;
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Keep this command to the letter, and don't slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way.
15 which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
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He'll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God.
16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amein.
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He's the only one death can't touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He's never been seen by human eyes - human eyes can't take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes.
17 Charge those who are rich in this present world, that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
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Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage -
18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
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to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous.
19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
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If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.
20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
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And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given! Guard it with your life. Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts.
21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amein.
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People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith. Overwhelming grace keep you!
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.