Study Desk

and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer

They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,

holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.

He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame.

So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

21�which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you.