Father Mike Schmitz

It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing chains like a criminal.

but the word of God is not chained.

Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they also may obtain the salvation in which Christ Jesus goes with eternal glory.

The saying is sure.

If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.

If we endure, we shall also reign with him.

If we deny him, he also will deny us.

If we are faithless, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself.

A Workman Approved by God

Remind them of this, and charge them before the Lord to avoid disputing about words which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will eat its way like gangrene.

Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth by holding that the resurrection is past already.

They are upsetting the faith of some.

But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal.

The Lord knows those who are his.

And let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.

In a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble.