2 Timothy 2:14-26 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is 2 Timothy 2:14-26. Let’s go!
2 Timothy 2:14-18 (NIV)
14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
On verses 14-18: The background behind these verses is that Timothy is still dealing with the threat of false teaching influencing his church. Individuals like Hymenaeus and Philetus were teaching that “the resurrection has already taken place” (v18). In so doing their teaching, like gangrene (v17), had already started to spread and affect some in Timothy’s church, leading them astray (v18b).
According to many scholars, these false teachers probably did not believe in actual physical resurrection but taught that the only resurrection one could experience was a spiritual, symbolic one. In teaching this they were denying the key Christian doctrine that Jesus physically rose from the dead and that future believers in Him would physically be raised one day as well (see 1 Corinthians 15).
Against this background, Paul instructs Timothy to:
– warn his church not to quarrel, since quarreling “is of no value, and only ruins those who listen” (v14);
– do his best to present himself to God as a dignified workman of God who knows how to handle God’s Word correctly (v15); and
– avoid godless chatter because indulging in it only has the effect of leading people away from Christ rather than toward Christ (v16)
2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV)
19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
On verse 19: Paul tells Timothy not to be shaken or discouraged when some turn away from the church to follow these deceptions. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is based on the following reasons:
– though people may change and be shaken, the “solid foundation” of God’s truth will never change or be shaken. It stands firm (v19a);
– God already knows who really belong to Him (v19) and who don’t (“The Lord knows who are his”, which may be a reference to Numbers 16:5);
– those who truly belong to the LORD will show it by turning from wickedness, and so if a person keeps on engaging in wickedness without any sign of wanting to change or repent, then God is not in that person (v19).
2 Timothy 2:20-26 (NIV)
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.
21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
24 And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
On verses 20-26: In verses 20-21 Paul lays down a precious principle worth memorizing. If you want God to use your life to make a powerful difference, make sure you get this principle. The idea is that we all have a choice as to in what way and how much God will use us. If we want God to use our lives effectively and powerfully for His noble purposes, if we want to be ready for whatever work God has for us to do, we need to separate (“cleanse”) ourselves from engaging in thoughts, conversations, activities and purposes that do not glorify God (v20-21, what Paul refers to as “ignoble” purposes).
Practically speaking, that means:
– not chasing after the things that immature people chase after (v22a);
– pursuing the kind of character that pleases God (righteousness, faith, love and peace) together with others who have a similar passion and commitment for Jesus (v22b)
– not engaging in foolish and stupid arguments that only result in quarreling (v23-24);
– being kind to everyone, not resentful, able to teach (v24);
– gently instructing those who oppose us (v25), praying that they would come to their senses, escape from the devil’s deceptions, and return to God (v25-26).
What can we learn from all this? When you meet people who are so convinced of what is false, be careful how you deal with them. Don’t quarrel with them. Be kind. Know God’s Word well so that you don’t let their chatter influence you. Explain your position gently and clearly without getting into silly arguments. And protect those who are in your spiritual care to be careful against false teaching.
Father, I want to be an instrument used for noble purposes, holy, useful to my Master and prepared to do any good work. Please give me and my church wisdom to know how to deal with those who oppose us, not to get involved in quarrels and useless arguments, to know Your Word well and to gently instruct and warn those in our care. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2021 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
