They will maintain the outward appearance ¹  of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. ² 

I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, ¹  when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day. ² 

Hold to the standard ¹  of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ² 

and their message will spread its infection ¹  like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. ² 

However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” ¹  and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord ²  must turn away from evil.”