Verses 1-9
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Avoid people who try to appear religious but still live in sin, rejecting the power of God to help them repent from sin. They deceive the gullible.
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Also watch out for people who are “always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (see verse 7 of NLT). People of this sort are in great danger.
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If a person is a believer who is going in this direction, they could be easily deceived.
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Especially protect these kinds of people from the influence of false teachers and deceivers.
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Verses 10-15
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Conversely, as believers, let's listen to Christ-like teachings, and follow Christ-like lifestyles.
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Listen to people who speak the Word and focus on the message of Jesus, and follow the example of people who are walking like Jesus!
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Remember that you will suffer persecution for being a Christ-follower, and as time passes, things will only get worse.
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Therefore, continue learning and doing what the Word says.
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Simple repentance and faith must continue. You will do well, no matter how dark things are, if you never stop continuing in the basics.
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Verses 16-17
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Trust Scripture, as it came from the Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), and it is effective for everything that you need in this life (2 Peter 1:2-3).