18. They have left the true teaching. They say that the day when people will be raised from death has already come and gone. And they are destroying the faith of some people.
19. But God’s strong foundation never moves, and these words are written on it: “The Lord knows those who belong to him.” Also, these words are written there: “Everyone who says they believe in the Lord must stop doing wrong.”
20. In a large house there are things made of gold and silver. But there are also things made of wood and clay. Some of these are used for special purposes, others for ordinary jobs.
21. The Lord wants to use you for special purposes, so make yourself clean from all evil. Then you will be holy, and the Master can use you. You will be ready for any good work.
22. Stay away from the evil things a young person like you typically wants to do. Do your best to live right and to have faith, love, and peace, together with others who trust in the Lord with pure hearts.
23. Stay away from foolish and stupid arguments. You know that these arguments grow into bigger arguments.
24. As a servant of the Lord, you must not argue. You must be kind to everyone. You must be a good teacher, and you must be patient.
25. You must gently teach those who don’t agree with you. Maybe God will let them change their hearts so that they can accept the truth.
26. The devil has trapped them and now makes them do what he wants. But maybe they can wake up to see what is happening and free themselves from the devil’s trap.