Prepared for Action

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. ¹⁶ Avoid their godless discussions, because they will lead many people into ungodly behavior, ¹⁷ and their ideas will spread like an infection. This includes 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. 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. 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. 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.