Instructions to Servants 1Let as many bondmen as are under yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and the teaching be not blasphemed. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them] because they are brethren; but let them the rather serve them with subjection, because they are faithful and beloved, who profit by the good and ready service [rendered]. These things teach and exhort. Reject False Doctrines 3If any one teach differently, and do not accede to sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the teaching which [is] according to piety, 4he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but sick about questions and disputes of words, out of which arise envy, strife, injurious words, evil suspicions, 5constant quarrellings of men corrupted in mind and destitute of the truth, holding gain to be [the end of] piety. Contentment in Godliness 6But piety with contentment is great gain. 7For we have brought nothing into the world: [it is] [manifest] that neither can we carry anything out. 8But having sustenance and covering, we will be content with these. 9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many unwise and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. 10For the love of money is [the] root of every evil; which some having aspired after, have wandered from the faith, and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Fight the Good Fight 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, endurance, meekness of spirit. 12Strive earnestly [in] the good conflict of faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which thou hast been called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses. 13I enjoin thee before God who preserves all things in life, and Christ Jesus who witnessed before Pontius Pilate the good confession, 14that thou keep the commandment spotless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 15which in its own time the blessed and only Ruler shall shew, the King of those that reign, and Lord of those that exercise lordship; 16who only has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor is able to see; to whom [be] honour and eternal might. Amen. A Charge to the Rich 17Enjoin on those rich in the present age not to be high-minded, nor to trust on the uncertainty of riches; but in the God who affords us all things richly for [our] enjoyment; 18to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal in distributing, disposed to communicate [of their substance], 19laying by for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold of [what is] really life. Final Guidance 20O Timotheus, keep the entrusted deposit, avoiding profane, vain babblings, and oppositions of false-named knowledge, 21of which some having made profession, have missed the faith. Grace [be] with thee. |
    |