Noble Purposes

Here is a trustworthy saying: if you died with Christ, you will also live with him; if you endure, you will also reign with him. If you disown him, he will also disown you; if you are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Keep reminding others of these things. Warn them in my name against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to me as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. I know those who are mine, and everyone who confesses my name must turn away from wickedness.

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. If you cleanse yourself from the latter, you will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful tome, your Master, and prepared to do any good work.

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on me out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And my servant must not quarrel; instead, you must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Those who oppose you, you must gently instruct, in the hope that I 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. (2 Tim. 2:11—26)