2 Timothy Chapter Two – The Doctor's Office

There are several distinguishing qualities that should characterize the life of every Godly man or woman. 2 Timothy chapter two will identify some of those qualities for anyone who is seeking to fulfill God’s purpose for his or her life. To do so, this chapter will offer seven different analogies that serve to illustrate the various characteristics of a God-honoring life. Those analogies include…

A son (verse one).
A soldier (verses three to four).
An athlete (verse five).
A farmer (verse six).
A worker (verse fifteen).
A vessel (verse twenty-one).
A servant (verse twenty-four)

Verse one opens with the first of these comparisons…

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).

This passage offers a good opportunity to revisit an important insight from earlier in chapter one. That “something” concerns the word “therefore.” You may recall that the Biblical use of the word “therefore” signals a transition from an earlier teaching or idea to an action or behavior that builds upon that foundation. Therefore, this word should alert us to pay close attention whenever we encounter it within the Scriptures.

So what has Paul the Apostle already established within the letter of 2 Timothy? Well, Paul has laid the foundation for this passage with three important elements…

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
God has saved us and called us to a holy life (2 Timothy 1:9).
We know the One we believe in and we are convinced that he is able to guard what we have entrusted to him (see 2 Timothy 1:12).

In light of these things, Paul says, “…my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Much like a son who imitates a Godly parent, these elements should reflect the grace we have received in Christ Jesus. God’s grace (or His “unmerited favor”) provides us with the strength and ability to accomplish the things He has called us to do…

“Just how did Paul imagine the grace that is in Christ Jesus would be a source of strength for Timothy? In Christ Jesus is the favor and approval of God, An awareness that we are ‘in Christ Jesus,’ and thus in the favor of God, would be a great source of strength to our sometimes fainting heart. Timothy is to receive strength from his keen consciousness of being ‘in Christ Jesus.’” ₍₁₎

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

One of the most effective ways to produce a lasting impact in the lives of others is found in the message of 2 Timothy 2:2: “Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also” (GNT).

While modern communication technologies enable us to interact with many others, it remains true that one person can only communicate with a limited number of people at a time. Nevertheless, it is possible to take the things we’ve learned from God’s Word and pass them along to others by word and example. When those others convey what they’ve learned within their own circle of influence, a multiplication effect takes place.

You see, the act of hearing and applying Biblical truth within our lives is much like the mathematical process of addition. But if we learn from God’s Word, apply it in our lives, and then pass those truths to others, we multiply the resulting benefit among many. This may also explain Paul the Apostle’s reference to “the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses” within this passage…

“Traveling with Paul, Timothy had heard the apostle address scores of diverse audiences. Among all those groups the essence of Paul’s message had not changed. It was the same body of truth Paul had taught Timothy personally. Now, with the apostle nearing the end of his own ministry, what Timothy had heard from Paul he was in turn to entrust (cf. 2Ti_1:14) to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (cf. 1Ti_3:2; Tit_1:9).” ₍₁₎

It is also important to emphasize that “the things that you have heard from me” serves as a reference to God’s Word. While there are many religious ideas, opinions, and theories in existence, they may fail to measure up when they are evaluated against the Biblical Scriptures.

For instance. a spiritual opinion or conjecture that is untethered from the Scriptures may lead to “…petty controvers(sies) over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers” (AMP). This is a topic that Paul will address later in this chapter (see 2 Timothy 2:14). It also echoes Paul’s closing message from the Biblical book of 1 Timothy…

“Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness” (1 Timothy 6:20-21 NLT).

(1) John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary [p.752]

III

“and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2 ESV).

One means of obtaining job security in the business world involves working to ensure that a company cannot easily replace someone in his or her position. One aspect of that strategy is highly beneficial, while the other is much less so.

For instance, a person who works for his or her employer as if he or she is working for Christ is likely to be someone who is critical to a company’s business success. In addition to serving as a good witness for Christ, this approach can help ensure that a company looks elsewhere if it ever seeks to reduce payroll.

From a negative perspective, this strategy may involve developing a set of proprietary skills related to a critical business function and then working to prevent anyone else from acquiring those skills. A person who employs this strategy may simply be “looking out for number one” to borrow a famous motivational phrase. However, this second model differs from the Biblical model given to us here in 2 Timothy 2:2.

In the Lord’s economy, a God-honoring person freely entrusts the teachings of the Scriptures to other faithful individuals who will share them in the same manner. In a larger sense, this passage should also prompt us to consider Jesus’ message to His disciples from Matthew 10:8: “Freely you have received, freely give.”

This verse offers another practical application as well: we should look to assist others in fulfilling God’s call upon their lives. Unlike those who may be inclined to “watch their back” or “protect their turf” within the church, we should be ready to work freely with those whom God is raising up and facilitate their growth. In this respect, our mindset should mirror the attitude displayed by John the Baptist…

“They went to John and said, ‘Rabbi, you spoke about a man when you were with him east of the Jordan. He is now baptizing people, and everyone is going to him.’

John replied: No one can do anything unless God in heaven allows it. You surely remember how I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am only the one sent ahead of him. At a wedding the groom is the one who gets married. The best man is glad just to be there and to hear the groom’s voice. That’s why I am so glad. Jesus must become more important, while I become less important” (John 3:26-30 CEV).

“And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well” (2 Timothy 2:2 NET).

While 2 Timothy 2:2 provides us with valuable counsel for life and ministry, it is possible to take this portion of Scripture to an unhealthy extreme. Two commentators discuss several issues to consider as we seek to apply this verse within our lives and in our relationships with others…

“Here the apostle Paul instructs Timothy, a young pastor, to train other faithful men for the task of leadership in the church. There is no hint of apostolic succession in this verse, nor is there any suggestion that in training these men Timothy would be passing on to them an infallible tradition with authority equal to the Word of God. On the contrary, what this verse describes is simply the process of discipleship.

Far from imparting to these men some apostolic authority that would guarantee their infallibility, Timothy was to choose men who had proved themselves faithful, teach them the gospel, and equip them in the principles of church leadership he had learned from Paul. What Timothy was to entrust to them was the essential truth Paul himself had preached ‘in the presence of many witnesses.’” ₍₁₎

“This verse certainly teaches that the gospel is to spread from person to person and from teacher to disciple. But it does not justify a hierarchical or authoritarian relationship. The reference here is to personal discipleship, not to ecclesiastical authority. It speaks of how to teach, not how to exercise authority. Even where the Bible does speak of submission to leaders it does not justify authoritarianism… It is submission out of love, not fear. It is voluntary, not compulsory subservience out of fear.” ₍₂₎

Finally, it is important to remember the following message from Jesus to His disciples as we consider this verse…

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20).

This directive has come to be known as “The Great Commission” and 2 Timothy 2:2 offers an effective strategy for anyone who seeks to implement it: “Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also” (GNT).

(2) When Cultists Ask A Popular Handbook on Cultic Misinterpretations Norman L. Geisler and Ron Rhodes, [2 Timothy 2:2] Baker Books, 1997

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

The next distinguishing characteristic from 2 Timothy chapter two employs the familiar imagery of a soldier. This military reference serves to communicate some important truths for Jesus’ followers today.

You see, a Roman soldier enlisted for a twenty year period in the New Testament era and faced constant opposition, hostility, and resistance. In fact, it is estimated that only half of those who served within the Roman military during that period survived to fulfill the term of their enlistment. So this call to “Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…” conveyed the need to reflect a similar level of commitment to Christ.

We should also remember that Paul was someone who practiced what he preached in this respect. In addition to the fact that he was imprisoned at the time he wrote this letter to Timothy, Paul also authored at least four other New Testament letters (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) while chained to a Roman soldier.

The New Testament book of Hebrews provides us with some additional insight into this passage…

“…Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated– the world was not worthy of them.

They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:35-40 NIV).

So while this may not be a popular subject, we should not overlook this aspect of our commitment to Christ. As Jesus Himself said, “…No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 ESV). In the words of a Pastoral commentator…

“…if a believer is not willing to endure hardship, they will never accomplish much for Jesus Christ. They will give up as soon as something hard is required of them; they cannot fulfill Jesus’ call: If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24).” ₍₁₎

(1) Guzik, Dave, 2 Timothy 2 – Advice To A Young Pastor, 3. (3-4) Persevere for God with a soldier’s attitude. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-timothy-2/

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV).

2 Timothy 2:3-4 offers another characteristic quality of a God-honoring life: a Godly person avoids entanglement in anything that prevents him or her from fulfilling God’s direction in his or her life. We can turn to the following passage from the New Testament gospel of Luke to see how Jesus communicated this idea to others…

“Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, ‘Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’

Then He said to another, ‘Follow Me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.’

And another also said, ‘Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’” (Luke 9:57-62).

Much like a soldier who is serving a lengthy deployment, Jesus’ first response reminds us that this world is not our permanent home. His second reply tells us that our relationship with Christ and His agenda for our lives takes priority over other relationships. His last interaction calls attention to our need to focus upon Jesus, “…the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 11:22).

It’s important to note that these verses do not prohibit us from acting to fulfill our ordinary responsibilities and/or obligations. However, they do warn us to avoid becoming entangled in the daily routine of life to the exclusion of our relationship with Christ. The following commentary offers a useful summary of this concept…

“Does this mean that those who are in the Lord’s service should never engage in secular occupations as well? Certainly not! Paul himself worked as a tentmaker while he was preaching the gospel and planting churches. He testified that his own hands ministered to his necessities. The emphasis is on the word entangles. The soldier must not allow ordinary affairs of life to become the main object of existence. For instance, he must not make acquiring food and clothing the main aim of life. Rather, the service of Christ must always occupy the prominent place, while the things of this life are kept in the background.” ₍₁₎

(1) William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, pg. 2181-82

VII

“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5).

Much like those who seek to excel in a competitive athletic event, Paul the Apostle urged Timothy to adopt a similar attitude regarding his life and work. This was not a new analogy for Paul, for a look at some of his other New Testament letters reveals his use of similar athletic imagery. Those illustrations included track and field events (1 Corinthians 9:24, Philippians 2:16), boxing (1 Corinthians 9:26-27, 1 Timothy 6:12), and wrestling (Ephesians 6:12).

While Paul often used those analogies to emphasize the importance of spiritual discipline, this passage draws our attention to the importance of conducting ourselves “according to the rules.” So what are “the rules” that should govern our life and work? Well, there are several ways to address that question from the Scriptures. For the purpose of this study, we will stay within the parameters that God has given us through Paul the Apostle in the Pastoral Epistles of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus…

“So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money” (1 Timothy 3:2-3 NLT).

“…follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model” (2 Timothy 1:13 CEV).

“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:7-9 NIV).

These characteristics are not only important for pastors, leaders, or teachers; they are applicable to anyone who seeks to be a good representative of Christ at school, at home, in the workplace, or anywhere else. Therefore as Paul counseled Timothy earlier in 1 Timothy 4:12, we should “…set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

VIII

“The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops” (2 Timothy 2:6).

We’ve already seen two vocational metaphors that illustrate the qualities of a God-honoring life here in 2 Timothy chapter two. The first involved a soldier who, in order to please his commanding officer, refuses to become entangled in the affairs of civilian life. In this analogy, God’s people represent the soldiers, and Jesus represents the commanding officer. Just as a good soldier remains focused upon his or her mission objective, Christians are responsible to do so as well.

The next illustration came from the field of athletic competition: “Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize” (2 Timothy 2:5 TLB). This was more than just a general observation- it represented a genuine concern for Paul the Apostle…

“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NLT).

The final illustration in this trilogy is that of a farmer here in 2 Timothy 2:6. Much like a farmer who labors throughout the summer to produce a harvest in the fall, 2 Timothy 2:6 tells us that a Godly man or woman labors now for future rewards later. To grasp the significance of this analogy, it helps to know something about the first-century agricultural process.

A New Testament-era farmer first began by clearing an area of stones and other debris. Following this, a farmer made use of an ox ₍₁₎ pulling a crude plow to prepare the field for planting. After the crop was harvested, it was taken to a threshing floor where livestock repeatedly walked over the harvested grain until their hooves separated the kernels from their surrounding husks.

When that process was complete, the grain was “winnowed.” This involved the act of tossing the grain into the air so the breeze could take away the remaining chaff while the heavier grain fell to the ground. Finally, the grain was sifted to remove any remaining foreign matter and stored for later use.

There was nothing glamorous about these painstaking efforts but the farmer was rewarded in autumn for his hard work throughout the spring and summer. Thus, this passage reminds us of a fitting metaphor for life and ministry from the Old Testament book of Proverbs: “If you won’t plow in the cold, you won’t eat at the harvest” (Proverbs 20:4 TLB).

(1) If one was available. Otherwise the farmer had to pull a weighted plow himself.

“A hard-working farmer should have the first share of the crops” (2 Timothy 2:6 GW).

This agricultural illustration brings one of Jesus’ parables to mind…

“And He said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come’” (Mark 4:26-29).

This parable is unique to Mark’s Gospel and features several elements that should be easily recognizable to anyone who has ever attempted to grow a plant from a seedling.

For example, there is a period of time when nothing seems to happen after a seed has been planted. But despite the effort it takes to plant a seed with no immediate return during this initial period, there is no cause for discouragement. That’s because the germination process takes place below the surface and out of sight. Once that hidden process is complete, we can then see the positive result of our efforts.

In a similar way, it is possible to become discouraged in those intervals when nothing seems to be happening in our relationship with God. Or perhaps there is no discernible movement in the spiritual lives of those we are praying for. When these things occur, it may be helpful to bring this parable to mind. Just as a farmer cannot see the growth and activity that takes place below the soil’s surface, so it may be with God’s work in our lives and the lives of others.

The reality is that we don’t always know what God is doing behind the scenes on our behalf. Just because we can’t see God at work doesn’t necessarily mean that He isn’t working to make good things happen without our knowledge. Remember that a farmer doesn’t plant a crop and return to harvest it the following day; it takes time for that harvest to develop.

While it may seem as if we are not having any impact for Christ in our homes, jobs, schools, or neighborhoods, looks can be deceiving. Therefore, we should consider the possibility that God is working on our behalf in a manner that may not be visible or obvious- just like the seed growing unnoticed in this parable.

“Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7).

What does it mean to consider, reflect, or meditate in the context of 2 Timothy 2:7? In considering this question, it’s important to recognize the difference between a Biblical definition of meditation and some other types of meditation. For example, a Biblical definition of meditation means to think, consider, and reflect upon the subject of God and His Word.

The Scriptures encourage this kind of meditation as evidenced by the following quote from Psalm 1:1-2…

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (NIV).

The New Testament book of Philippians also has something important to say about this type of meditation as well…

“And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about” (TLB).

On the other hand, the “New Age” or eastern religious concept of meditation often involves “emptying” one’s mind to achieve a desired physical response or altered state of consciousness. This kind of meditation may involve the use of mantras (a word or syllable that is chanted or sung as a prayer [Hinduism] or as an aid in concentration [Buddhism]). It might also include breathing exercises or specific body postures to help achieve a feeling of spiritual enlightenment.

These differences illustrate the need to define a word like “meditation.” One type of meditation acknowledges and honors God while the other one doesn’t. While many seek to enter a transcendent state through the use of various meditation techniques, the right kind of meditation involves learning about God through His Word and thinking about how that knowledge should affect our lives.

So just as Paul the Apostle encouraged Timothy to think about the things he had written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Old Testament book of Joshua echoed a similar theme…

“Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything” (Joshua 1:8 NCV).

“Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this” (2 Timothy 2:7 NET).

Paul the Apostle offered three illustrations in the preceding verses of this letter: a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Each illustration related to Timothy’s relationship with Jesus and each communicates something important regarding our relationship with Christ today.

For instance, soldiers who lay down their arms before the battle is over will never experience victory. Athletes who never leave the starting line will never reach the finish line. Farmers who neglect to plant, water, or cultivate a crop will never receive a harvest. These examples have a common denominator- they each require perseverance and endurance in order to achieve success.

The following passage from the New Testament book of Hebrews underscores the importance of those qualities in a spiritual sense…

“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. ‘For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away’” (Hebrews 10:35-38 NLT).

We should also note Paul’s encouragement to reflect upon these illustrations. We can follow this counsel by prayerfully asking a few simple questions whenever we read the Scriptures…

1.) What does this portion of Scripture say? We can begin by making some observations regarding the passage in question. Examine the context of the passage or “the part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.” ₍₁₎ We can also apply the six basic questions of investigative journalism: who, what, where, when, why, and how when reading God’s Word.

2.) What does this portion of Scripture mean? The next step involves interpreting the passage. This requires careful consideration for there are no subjective interpretations of the Scriptures. In other words, the Bible does not necessarily mean whatever we think it means. Instead, we want to grasp the primary Author’s (God’s) meaning as communicated through His secondary human agents (the human authors of the Biblical Scriptures).

3) How should I apply this portion of Scripture in my life? The final step involves putting our observations and interpretations to work. It is not enough to simply know what the Bible says; we must put that knowledge into action as we encounter the choices, decisions, and events of daily life. As we’re reminded in the Biblical book of James, “…don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” (James 1:22 NLT).

(1) “Context” The American Heritage Dictionary, third edition

XII

“Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel” (2 Timothy 2:8).

Although it may not seem obvious, this passage is likely to attract the attention of two distinct audiences.

First, we’re told that Jesus Christ was a descendant of Israel’s King David. Unlike those who devoted themselves to the “…myths and endless genealogies” mentioned earlier, this information holds genuine value for those who are familiar with God’s promise to David regarding the Savior who was to come through his lineage…

“For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever” (2 Samuel 7:12–13 NLT).

God later confirmed this promise through the angel Gabriel as he spoke with Mary in advance of Jesus’ birth…

“…behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).

Now let’s consider a different type of individual- a non-Jewish person with little interest in Jesus’ family tree. That person might be more curious about the statement that follows: “…(Jesus Christ) was raised from the dead according to my gospel.” Those who hold no cultural appreciation for the lineage of David and its place in Jesus’ ancestry may be more interested in the account of a man who rose from the dead.

So this message holds an appeal for Jewish and non-Jewish people alike. One commentary details the importance of this passage in a larger context,..

“False teachers were a problem in Ephesus (see Act_20:29-30; 1Ti_1:3-11). At the heart of false teaching is an incorrect view of Christ. In Timothy’s day many asserted that Christ was divine but not human—God but not man. These days we often hear that Jesus was human but not divine—man but not God. Either view destroys the good news that Jesus Christ has taken our sins on himself and has reconciled us to God. In this verse, Paul firmly states that Jesus is fully man (‘a descendant of King David’) and fully God (“raised from the dead’). This is an important doctrine for all Christians.” ₍₁₎

XIII

“for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:9).

It seems ironic that the Gospel message that offered freedom in Christ was the same Gospel message that led to imprisonment for Paul the Apostle. Unfortunately, those who were responsible for Paul’s incarceration did not recognize him as someone who brought “good news.” Instead, he was branded as an evildoer.

This undoubtedly came as no surprise to Paul, for as he had written earlier to the Corinthian church…

“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 NLT).

Nevertheless, one does not need to be imprisoned for Christ to gain an appreciation for this passage…

“Persecuting Christians and consenting to their death didn’t make (Paul) a criminal, but preaching the gospel did, in the eyes of the Jews! How often someone who curses, drinks, and carouses gets saved and stops all that, and then receives persecution from loved ones for trying to live right.” ₍₁₎

The New Testament book of 1 Peter addresses this concept in a portion of Scripture that applies to this discussion…

“You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:3-5 NLT).

Those who derive pleasure and enjoyment from a life lived apart from God ₍₂₎ may find it difficult to understand why others might seek to honor Him. Then there are some who resent others who decline to participate in the list of activities given to us in the passage from 1 Peter quoted above. This helps explain why such individuals may choose to “…criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values” (1 Peter 4:4 AMP).

So even while Paul was suffering imprisonment, he took comfort in the fact that God’s Word had free reign. We can thus summarize Paul’s response in a simple, yet profound way: “I’m chained up, but God’s Word isn’t.”

(1) Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2512). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

(2) For a while, at least. See Luke 12:16-21

XIV

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10).

2 Timothy 2:10 reveals Paul the Apostle’s attitude towards his imprisonment: “I’m willing to suffer on behalf of God’s people if that’s what’s necessary.” Thus, Paul was willing to endure the pain, suffering, and indignity of prison for the benefit of those who had yet to hear and believe the gospel message of Christ. He also set an example for others within the first-century Christian community as well as those who read this account today.

We should also give careful consideration to Paul’s reference to “the elect” within this passage. The following commentary offers a simple definition of this important term and a balanced view of its implications…

“The elect here refers to all those chosen by God for eternal salvation. While the Bible does teach that God chooses people to be saved, it nowhere says that He selects some to be damned. Those who are saved are saved by the sovereign grace of God. Those who are lost are lost by their own deliberate choice. No one should quarrel with God over the doctrine of election. This doctrine simply allows God to be God, the Sovereign of the universe, who deals in grace, justice, righteousness, and love. He never does anything unfair or unkind, but He often shows favor that is completely unmerited.” ₍₁₎

Another source offsets the serious nature of this discussion with an aside to the academics who have struggled to reconcile the doctrines of divine election and human responsibility…

“The Scriptures in a very natural way combine the doctrines of divine election and human responsibility, apparently not concerned with the problem this would later seem to pose to generations of theologians. Paul was willing to suffer countless difficulties and persecutions so that the elect might hear and believe and receive the salvation for which they already had been chosen by God before the world began.

The apparent paradox is only resolved in terms of the infinite mind and ability of the Creator. We may not be able to understand how both can be true, just as we cannot see both sides of a coin at the same time. However, both sides are real, and both doctrines are true. We can believe and rejoice in both truths, even though we don’t yet comprehend how each supports the other.” ₍₂₎

(1) William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, pg.2116

(2) Institute for Creation Research, New Defender’s Study Bible Notes [2 Timothy 2:10] https://www.icr.org/bible/2Timothy/2/10/

“This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him” (2 Timothy 2:11).

This passage brings us to the fourth of five “faithful” sayings that are given to us in the Pastoral Epistles of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. ₍₁₎ This short, introductory phrase likely comprised a formula that helped the members of the first-century church remember and apply some important spiritual truths.

Perhaps the best explanation of what it means to “die with Christ” is found in the New Testament letter to the Galatians…

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

One commentary explains what this death entails in its various forms…

“Legally, God looks at us as if we had died with Christ. Because our sins died with him, we are no longer condemned (Col_2:13-15). Relationally, we have become one with Christ, and his experiences are ours. Our Christian life began when, in unity with him, we died to our old life (see Rom_6:5-11). In our daily life, we must regularly crucify sinful desires that keep us from following Christ. This, too, is a kind of dying with him (Luk_9:23-25).” ₍₂₎

This reference to “dying with Christ” in our daily lives may be easier to understand than it seems. In fact, most people are probably familiar with this general concept. For instance…

A student may not enjoy studying now but does so in anticipation of the satisfaction and approval that he or she will receive from securing a good grade on a test.
A musician may not enjoy hours of rehearsal or the repetitive nature of playing scales. Yet the musician willingly rehearses to ensure that he or she will perform a difficult piece flawlessly before an audience.
An athlete may not enjoy practicing the fundamentals associated with his or her sport. But that same athlete will undoubtedly enjoy getting a hit, scoring a goal, throwing a touchdown, or hitting the game-winning shot because he or she did so.

In a similar manner, the “death” we experience today in turning from sinful behaviors helps prepare us for eternity. In the words of 2 Corinthians 4:17, “…our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

(1) See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 3:1, 1 Timothy 4:9, and Titus 3:8

XVI

“If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:12).

When considering a text such as 2 Timothy 2:12, it is important to note what this passage means as well as what it says. For instance, a closer look at the word “endure” in the original language of this verse yields the following definition: “to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ, to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments.” ₍₁₎

This passage thus offers insight into Jesus’ message from the Biblical book of Revelation: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). Therefore, these verses offer the encouragement of a future leadership role for those who persevere in Christ today.

But what of those who deny Jesus in our present day? Well, there are at least two types of individuals who might fit this category. The first comprises those who never made a profession of faith in Christ. That group ranges from those who hold an aggressively anti-Christian worldview all the way to others who are simply disinterested in Jesus and His teachings. It’s easy to see how Jesus would deny those who deny Him in this manner.

The second group includes those who once made a profession of faith in Christ but later rejected that profession through their words and/or actions. We can find a description of that group in Jesus’ parable of the soils…

“Here’s the meaning of the seed that fell on rocky ground: When people hear the word, they immediately receive it joyfully. Because they have no roots, they last for only a little while. When they experience distress or abuse because of the word, they immediately fall away. Others are like the seed scattered among the thorny plants. These are the ones who have heard the word; but the worries of this life, the false appeal of wealth, and the desire for more things break in and choke the word, and it bears no fruit” (Mark 4:16-19 CEB).

Unlike the Apostle Peter who later expressed contrition following his denial of Jesus, the words of 1 John 2:19 fittingly describe those who fall into this latter category…

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.”

(1) G5278 hupomeno Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5278/kjv/tr/0-1/

XVII

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

This portion of Scripture draws our attention to an important attribute of God: faithfulness.

When employers, subordinates, classmates, family members, news outlets, governmental leaders, and others prove unworthy of our trust, Christ remains faithful. In fact, Jesus’ faithfulness is an intrinsic part of His character, for as we are told in the passage quoted above, “…he always remains faithful. He cannot deny his own nature” (2 Timothy 2:13 Phillips).

This brings us to an uncomfortable reality. You see, it may be difficult to maintain our faith and trust in Christ when facing a situation where we have been negatively affected by the faithlessness of others. However, it is important to recognize that Jesus is not like those who may have injured us in this manner. Unlike other human beings who may prove unworthy of our trust, we can always rely upon Jesus to demonstrate His faithfulness towards us.

As one scholar has pointed out, “This is a wonderful affirmation of assurance that although we are called to endure and be faithful, salvation does not rest ultimately on our faithfulness, but upon the perfect faithfulness of Christ.” ₍₁₎So even if we are faithless, Jesus remains faithful to keep every promise He has made. Perhaps the most significant promise in this regard may be found in the New Testament Gospel of John…

“There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am” (John 14:2-3 GNT).

Yet even while Jesus is faithful toward us, the New Testament letter of 1 Corinthians also provides us with an important reminder…

“…God will reward each one according to the work each has done… Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw. And the quality of each person’s work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone’s work; the fire will test it and show its real quality. If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. But if your work is burnt up, then you will lose it; but you yourself will be saved, as if you had escaped through the fire” (1 Corinthians 3:8, 12-15 GNT).

(1) Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2172). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

XVIII

“Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers” (2 Timothy 2:14).

Virtually everyone knows what it’s like to interact with a contentious individual who is eager to quarrel over something. Such people are relatively easy to find at work, at school, online, and other areas as well. Therefore, it becomes our responsibility to put 2 Timothy 2:14 into practice as we engage with those who seek to interact with us in this manner.

You see, we are likely to encounter many different types of personalities with varying levels of spiritual knowledge and/or emotional maturity as we go about our daily lives. Some of those individuals may approach a self-professed Christian seeking answers to difficult spiritual questions to help promote their understanding. Others may prefer to ask contentious questions in pursuit of some other agenda.

While this may be an unfortunate reality, it was something that Jesus experienced on a personal level…

“As Jesus was leaving, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees became hostile and tried to provoke him with many questions. They wanted to trap him into saying something they could use against him” (Luke 11:53-54 NLT) ₍₁₎

Paul the Apostle will go on to talk about the challenges of dealing with such personalities in the Biblical letter that follows 2 Timothy…

“Stay away from those who have foolish arguments, who talk about useless family histories, or who make trouble and fight about what the Law of Moses teaches. These things are useless and will not help anyone” (Titus 3:9 ERV).

With this in mind, it’s important to seek God’s wisdom and discernment in addressing genuine requests for information while calmly responding to those who may only wish to provoke a fruitless and argumentative exchange. Since there may be any number of challenging issues to contend with, it often makes better sense to focus on the core truths of Christianity and “…the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1) as we engage in these conversations.

Paul will return to this topic later in this chapter with some more good advice…

“…a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

We’ll explore this important subject at greater length over the next few studies.

(1) See Mark 3:1-6 and John 8:1-12 for other examples of such experiences from Jesus’ life.

XIX

“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers” (2 Timothy 2:14 ESV).

When it comes to interacting with a contentious individual, it may be helpful to consider whether the person involved is only seeking to express his or her opinion. If such is the case, then the Biblical book of Proverbs provides us with some valuable insight: “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions” (Proverbs 18:2 NIV).

You see, there’s a difference between a disagreement (or a difference of opinion) and the quarrelsome type of interaction mentioned here in 2 Timothy 2:14. The difference is that a person who seeks to initiate a quarrel is probably not interested in exchanging ideas but in merely stating his or her view. For example, two people with opposing views may engage in a mutual exchange of ideas if they have a genuine desire to communicate and understand one another. On the other hand, a quarrel often involves a one-way exchange where two individuals talk at one another instead of with one another.

There are other clues that may alert us to the development of an unhealthy quarrel. For instance, quarrelsome individuals generally prefer to think about what they want to say instead of listening to others. Or perhaps they may seek to exploit a trivial misstatement in an attempt to invalidate another person’s response. This is how different opinions can grow to become the “quarrels about words” spoken of here.

Good results rarely come from these types of argumentative discussions. In the words of 2 Timothy 2:14, they only “..ruin everyone who listens to them” (CEV). Therefore, this passage reveals another quality that serves to identify a person of God-honoring character: he or she refuses to quarrel over secondary issues.

In light of this, we should give heed to the following observations…

“The word-splitter wrangles, not for the sake of arriving at the truth, but for the sake of a dialectical victory. He cares little as to what is right or wrong, so long as he comes off triumphant in the argument. Hence the Apostle said in the first Epistle that the natural fruit of these disputes about words is ‘envy, strife, and railings’ {1Ti_6:4}… It has been a favorite device of the heretics and skeptics of all ages to endeavor to provoke a discussion on points about which they hope to place an opponent in a difficulty. Their object is not to settle, but to unsettle; not to clear up doubts, but to create them.” ₍₁₎

(1) Nicoll, William R. “Commentary on 2 Timothy 2”. “Expositor’s Bible Commentary” https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/teb/2-timothy-2.html.

“Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen” (2 Timothy 2:14 NET)

Jesus once made the following observation regarding human nature in the New Testament Gospel of Luke…

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

With this in mind, the following commentators provide us with some valuable counsel regarding the admonition given to us here in 2 Timothy 2:14. In today’s social media age of vicious, argumentative, and malevolent speech, this directive is more valuable than ever…

“In the end disputing about words seeks not the victory of truth but the victory of the speaker.” ₍₁₎

“Paul says of these senseless talkers that they progress further and further into ungodliness. They progress in reverse. The more they talk, the farther they get from God. Here then is the test. If at the end of our talk, we are closer to one another and to God, then all is well; but if we have erected barriers between one another and have left God more distant, then all is not well. The aim of all Christian discussion and of all Christian action is to bring a man nearer to his fellows and to God.” ₍₂₎

2 TIMOTHY 2:14—Is it wrong for Christians to argue about theological matters?

PROBLEM: Paul seemed to forbid theological arguments when he instructed Timothy ‘not to strive about words to no profit’ (2 Tim. 2:14) and to ‘avoid foolish and ignorant disputes’ (v. 23). On the other hand, Paul himself argued with the Jews in their synagogues (Acts 17:2, 17) and disputed with the philosophers on Mars Hill (Acts 17:18ff). Indeed, Jude exhorted us ‘to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints’ (Jude 3).

SOLUTION: A distinction must be made between the two senses of what it means to argue or to contend. Arguing is not necessarily wrong, but being argumentative is. We should contend for the faith, but we should not be contentious in so doing. Making an earnest effort to defend the faith is good (cf. Phil. 1:17; 1 Peter 3:15). But engaging in fruitless quarrels is not. Likewise, Paul did not oppose disputing about what words really mean in a given context—he simply opposed mere semantical wrangling.” ₍₃₎

(1) R. W. Ward, Commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, [p. 171.]. Quoted in Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 2 Timothy 2021 Edition [B. Charge to remain faithful 2:14-26] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/2timothy/2timothy.htm

(2) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible The Way Of Truth And The Way Of Error (2Ti_2:15-18)

(3) Geisler, N. L., & Howe, T. A. (1992). When critics ask : a popular handbook on Bible difficulties (pp. 503–504). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

XXI

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJ21)

Much like a list of “do’s and don’ts,” 2 Timothy 2:14-15 offers guidance that can help us make good choices in our relationships with others as well as our relationship with God.

The “don’t” portion was given to us earlier in verse fourteen: “…avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers” (AMPC). The “do” portion follows next: “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” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV).

The problem is that many who have access to the Bible often fail to read it, or fail to read it regularly. This makes it very difficult to “correctly handle the word of truth” as we’re told here in 2 Timothy 2:15. So how can we account for this unfortunate reality?

Well, we can begin by observing that people generally allocate their time according to the value they place upon a person, thing, or activity. Simply put, people make time for things they feel are important. Therefore, it may be helpful to conduct an honest assessment regarding the value we place upon reading God’s Word and prayerfully adjust that value accordingly.

There may be several other potential explanations as well…

We may allow other priorities to take precedence over the Word of God.
“Correctly handling the word of truth” takes discipline, commitment, and dedication. There may be times when we lack the motivation to apply these qualities to the act of reading the Scriptures.
We may confine our Biblical studies to an area of personal interest (such as spiritual gifts, the end times, God’s sovereignty, or the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, to name a few examples). If we choose to spend the majority of our time in God’s Word with Biblical passages that relate to a specific area of interest, it will surely leave gaps and vulnerabilities in our spiritual knowledge.
We may prefer topical messages that reference the Scriptures indirectly but do not focus upon the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

If we find that we are not giving personal Bible study the priority it deserves, the right thing to do is to approach God with honesty and humility and acknowledge that reality. We can then ask Him to instill in us a desire to prioritize His Word in our lives. As we’re reminded in the New Testament book of Philippians, “…it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

XXII

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV).

A person who seeks to “rightly divide the word of truth” knows that the Biblical Scriptures offer guidance and direction for everyday life. That guidance provides us with a foundation for our economic choices, moral decisions, family and interpersonal relationships, and our views about the future, just to name a few.

Even in those areas where the Bible does not provide specific direction, we can often discover good Biblical principles for use in daily life. Those teachings and principles appear in the order and frequency that God has ordained throughout the Scriptures and are freely available to anyone who is willing to take the time to discover them.

For instance, these precepts may take the form of a warning or insight gleaned from a Biblical event. They might be expressed in an example from the life of a Biblical personality. Or we may find an answer that pertains to a circumstance or situation we have encountered in a seemingly unrelated Biblical passage.

Therefore, it should not be surprising to find that the Old Testament book of Proverbs encourages us to consider the value of reading God’s Word…

“…the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grants good sense to the godly—his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time” (Proverbs 2:6-9 TLB).

The book of Psalms also reiterates this idea…

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take (Psalm 119:105 ERV).

In light of this, we can say that every man or woman of God should seek to become someone who knows and applies the “ word of truth.” Those who are diligent to read and learn from the Scriptures will then be well-positioned to “…present yourself to God as someone worthy of his approval” (CJB). One commentary provides us with a valuable observation on this important subject…

“Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been for him, we should build our lives on his Word and build his Word into our lives. It alone tells us how to live for him and serve him. Believers who ignore the Bible will certainly be ashamed at the judgment. Consistent and diligent study of God’s Word is vital; otherwise we will be lulled into neglecting God and our true purpose for living.” ₍₁₎

XXIII

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 HCSB).

With the advent of modern-day banking systems, paper money, credit cards, crypto-currencies, and other forms of financial exchange, it may be easy to forget that these payment methods did not exist in the New Testament era. Instead, all monetary exchanges generally took the form of metal coinage.

Much like today, first-century coins were produced by heating various metals until they reached a molten state. These metals were then poured into molds where they hardened into coins. While the size and weight of most coins were as uniform as the crude technology of the day could make them, that did little to stop unscrupulous individuals from shaving valuable slivers of these metals from these coins once they entered circulation.

One source reports that extensive governmental efforts were made to curtail this practice…

“In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation.”

However, there were other individuals who chose to lead by example in this area…

“But some money changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honour who put only genuine full weighted money into circulation.” ₍₁₎

These honorable financiers were called “dokimos” or “approved.” Thus, the word “approved” became synonymous with the idea of something that was genuine, honest, and authentic. This brings us to the portion of Scripture quoted here from 2 Timothy 2:15: “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.” (NIV)

With these things in mind, we can apply this passage in the following manner: “Don’t cut corners with the word of truth. Handle the Scriptures with honesty and integrity. Fashion yourself as a worker who will have no reason to be ashamed of when his or her work is evaluated.”

While others may pass judgment upon our work in various areas, we are ultimately responsible to seek God’s approval. The following commentator provides us with an important insight in that regard…

“It is embarrassing to do a job poorly and then to have your work examined. The Bible warns us that the work of each Christian will be examined at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Therefore, we have another motivation to work diligently for the Lord, so we will not be ashamed when our work is examined.” ₍₂₎

(1) Coinage information was sourced and adapted from Romans: God’s Glory. Donald Grey Barnhouse pg. 18. See here: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=esv&strongs=g1384

(2) Guzik, Dave, 2 Timothy 2 – Advice To A Young Pastor, C. Keeping attention on the most important things. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-timothy-2/

XXIV

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

The term “rightly divide” finds its origin in an ancient Greek word that means “cut it straight.” One source offers an in-depth exposition of this important term…

“The meaning of the word has to do with cutting a straight path toward a goal, as, for example, cutting a road through the woods. In this reference it can be interpreted with the ‘word of truth’ either functioning as the grammatical goal object or as the means of reaching that goal.

Depending upon the interpretation chosen, the phrase will mean either ‘cutting straight through to the word of truth’ or ‘using the word of truth to cut straight through’ to the minds and hearts of the people for whom Timothy is responsible. Again, the single Greek word carries much more information than can be represented by a single English word.” ₍₁₎

Another commentator draws our attention to the relationship of this word to various trades…

“(This is) a reference to the exactness demanded by such trades as carpentry, masonry, and Paul’s trade of leather working and tentmaking. Precision and accuracy are required in biblical interpretation, beyond all other enterprises, because the interpreter is handling God’s Word. Anything less is shameful.” ₍₂₎

In light of these things, 2 Timothy 2:15 has important implications for us today. Perhaps the most important implication involves the need to seek out a local church where the spiritual leadership is committed to expository Biblical teaching. For example, a church that studies through each Biblical book (as opposed to a weekly sermon topic that features a few supporting verses from the Scriptures) is a church that will discuss every subject contained within God’s Word in the order and frequency that each subject occurs.

This approach offers several important benefits…

It helps minimize the potential for doctrinal errors.
It allows us to become better informed on a variety of Biblical topics.
It helps identify teachers and leaders who take Biblical verses out of context.

A church that communicates the Scriptures in this manner is one that is most likely to “rightly divide the word of truth.“ As we’re reminded in the New Testament book of Hebrews…

“…the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV).

(2) MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Ti 2:15). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

XXV

“Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately” (2 Timothy 2:15 NET).

There are no shortages of those who reject the Biblical Scriptures as “the word of truth” (RSV). Nevertheless, Jesus declared, “…thy word is truth” (KJV) in speaking of God’s Word in John 17:17. With this in mind, let’s consider how Jesus viewed the Biblical Scriptures.

First, Jesus identified the Bible as the word of God as well as the command of God…

“…Jesus answered him, saying, It is written that ‘man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God’” (Luke 4:4 quoting Deuteronomy 8:3).

“But (Jesus) answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and mother’…” (Matthew 15:3-4 quoting Exodus 20:12).

Jesus also believed that the Scriptures were errorless and infallible….

“But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail” (Luke 16:17 NAS).

“…the Scripture cannot be broken…” (John 10:35b NIV).

Unlike those who view the Bible as a collection of myths and legends, Jesus also accepted the historical reality of the following Biblical characters and events…

Adam and Eve: “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female…” (Matthew 19:4).
Noah and the great flood: “They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:27).
Sodom and Gomorrah: “…on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:29).

Given the vast amount of spiritual misinformation that exists within our world today, we would do well to emulate Jesus’ view of the Scriptures in seeking to accurately handle the word of truth. This has important implications for our relationship with God as well as our relationships with others…

“We must remember that one way we can shine as lights in our world (Matt. 5:16) is to set a consistent example before others of what it means to correctly handle the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). By so doing, others may come to imitate us in this regard. And as others learn to imitate us in correctly handling Scripture, so they too can be used of God to set an example before still others. The process begins with a single person—you! Together we can curb the growth of the cults and aberrant groups.” ₍₁₎

(1) Norman L. Giesler and Ron Rhodes, When Cultists Ask: A Popular Handbook on Cultic Misinterpretations, [pg. 9] Baker Books, 1997

XXVI

“Do all you can to present yourself to God as someone worthy of his approval, as a worker with no need to be ashamed, because he deals straightforwardly with the Word of the Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 CJB).

This passage offers another distinguishing quality that should characterize the lives of God’s people: they work diligently to understand and apply the Biblical Scriptures. That commitment finds its clearest expression in the following Biblical paraphrase of 2 Timothy 2:15: “Work hard so God can say to you, ‘Well done.’ Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means” (TLB).

In addition to the impact of this commitment upon our relationship with God, this also affects our relationships with others as well. Remember that everyone leads and influences others by the example of their lives. Since non-Christians often get their impressions of Christianity from those who claim to follow Christ, this means that every self-professed Christian is responsible to accurately represent Jesus to others. This can be very difficult without a good working knowledge of His teachings from the Scriptures.

You see, a person who claims to be a Christian but does not know or follow Jesus’ teachings is ill-equipped to support that claim. ₍₁₎ At best, he or she may fail to properly represent Christ in the choices and decisions of daily life. At worst, that person might become entangled in activities that bring the type of reprimand that God issued to Israel’s king David: “…by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme…” (2 Samuel 12:14).

In a world filled with idolatry, moral indifference, and religious apathy, the cost of spiritual negligence is very high. Therefore, it is important to make certain that we are “…accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth” (AMPC). As Jesus reminded His followers in the New Testament gospel of Matthew…

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13-16 NLT).

(1) With the possible exception of those who are very young in the faith.

XXVII

“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (2 Timothy 2:16 NIV).

Consider the following scenario: you are in a public venue when you see an acquaintance among the crowds. But since it might be awkward or inconvenient to engage that person at that particular moment, you decide to quietly move out of sight to avoid him or her.

To some degree, this illustration reflects the idea behind the admonition to “Avoid godless chatter…” in the passage quoted above. In the original language of this verse, the word “avoid” or “shun” (KJV) means “to turn one’s self about for the purpose of avoiding something” ₍₁₎

In light of this, there are several questions we can use to help us identify and avoid “godless chatter”…

Is the subject related to a form of entertainment with little or no spiritual value? People often fill their time with various forms of entertainment that feature few (if any) spiritually redeeming qualities. Those entertainment choices may lead to all sorts of godless chatter among those who engage in them.
Is the subject related to a philosophy, teaching, or belief that seeks to eliminate the idea of a Creator? While it is important to engage with others in the arena of ideas, we should recognize that theories, conjectures, speculations, and presumptions that attempt to establish a creation without a Creator ultimately lead nowhere.
Is the subject related to a spiritual discussion among those who deny God’s existence? It often takes wisdom, humility, grace, and prayerful discernment to wade into spiritual conversation with those who deny God’s existence. The closing verses of this chapter offer some valuable counsel in this regard: “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25 NLT).
Is the subject related to speculations that can neither be proved or disproved? It is not unusual to encounter those whose spiritual lives are largely devoted to the pursuit of speculations and conjectures that are impossible to prove or disprove. These conjectures may devolve into godless chatter that doesn’t “…help people live a life of faith in God” (1 Timothy 1:3-4 NLT).

As the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “…be warned: there is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting!” (Ecclesiastes 12:12 TLB). We can largely escape that fate by following this directive to avoid godless chatter here in 2 Timothy 2:16.

(1) G4026 Periistemi Thayer’s Greek Lexicon. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4026/kjv/tr/0-1/

XXVIII

“And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:17-18).

We met one of the two individuals mentioned in this passage earlier in 1 Timothy 1:20. In that portion of Scripture, Paul the Apostle related his experience with a man named Hymenaeus and explained how he had to “deliver him unto Satan in order that he may learn not to blaspheme.” Unfortunately, it appears that Paul’s corrective action did not achieve his desired effect, since Hymenaeus’ destructive influence had clearly affected others.

It appears that one of those others was an individual named Philetus, a man who also engaged in the spread of this cancerous spiritual message. This passage thus serves to remind us of the effect of our beliefs upon those who inhabit our sphere of influence. Like a disease-carrying agent, the heretical teachings brought by Hymenaeus and Philetus spread to others and brought spiritual affliction upon them as a result.

So what was the nature of this false teaching? Well, one commentator offers the following explanation: “These troublemakers… were probably teaching that the doctrine of the resurrection had only an allegorical or spiritual meaning. Gnostic teaching conceived of resurrection allegorically, as referring to acquaintance with truth and as occurring at baptism.” ₍₁₎ We’ll discuss this belief (and the issues associated with it) at greater length in our next study.

This passage also reinforces an important observation from earlier in our look at 2 Timothy 2:15: it is important for God’s people to expend the effort to “…Know what his Word says and means” (TLB). If we seek to become familiar with the Biblical Scriptures, we can effectively “inoculate” ourselves from those who are spreading the equivalent of a malignant spiritual message.

Finally, it’s important to recognize that modern-day technology has greatly accelerated the spread of heretical teachings. Therefore, we should give heed to another source who explains the need to identify and address false teachings in our present day…

“One serious thing about these babblers is that they are never static. They always increase in ungodliness. It is so with all forms of error. Those who teach error must be continually adding to it. This explains the new dogmas and pronouncements that are constantly being issued by false religious systems. Needless to say, the more these doctrinal errors are expanded, the more ungodliness results.” ₍₂₎

(2) William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, pg.2117

XXIX

“and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:17-18 ESV).

A closer look at this passage helps identify the road that Hymenaeus and Philetus likely traveled as they spread their malignant spiritual teachings.

First, it appears that these men deliberately charted a course that “deviated from the truth” (AMP). Much like an automobile that leaves the correct route, Hymenaeus and Philetus apparently started on the right spiritual road but left to take a different exit. Everyone who followed them subsequently got off on the wrong spiritual exit as well.

In addition to the deliberate nature of their choice, we should also note the subtle nature of this heresy. For instance, these men did not deny that a resurrection would take place. Instead, they reinterpreted that doctrine to mean something other than what it was. As one commentator has observed, “They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine.” ₍₁₎

Just as a small crack in a foundation might eventually lead to the collapse of a large building, one source explains how this minor deviation from the truth might eventually lead to a spiritual collapse…

“Evidently such men were equating the final resurrection with our new birth. A misapplication of Rom_6:1-4, or Col_3:13, would produce such a thought. Think of what implications are contained in this false word: (1) It would deny Christ’s physical resurrection; (2) It would deny the possibility of the second coming; (3) The hope of the resurrection for believers would be gone; (4) All hope of meeting our dead loved ones is taken away; (5) We could not share in the Father’s house of many mansions. No wonder such a teaching would overthrow the faith of the new ones in Christ in the city of Ephesus!” ₍₂₎

Unfortunately, it seems that Paul the Apostle had to address a similar issue in the New Testament epistle of 2 Thessalonians as well…

“When our Lord Jesus returns, we will be gathered up to meet him. So I ask you, my friends, not to be easily upset or disturbed by people who claim that the Lord has already come. They may say that they heard this directly from the Holy Spirit, or from someone else, or even that they read it in one of our letters” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 CEV).

Since there is no shortage of those who seek to promote similar half-truths today, this passage should encourage us to be watchful of such things.

(1) Henry, Matthew. “Concise Commentary on 2 Timothy 2”. “Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhn/2-timothy-2.html. 1706.

XXX

“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity’ (2 Timothy 2:19).

The first quotation given to us here in 2 Timothy 2:19 may reference an incident recorded in the Old Testament book of Numbers. You see, Numbers chapter sixteen relates the account of a man named Korah who led of group of others in an insurgency against Moses’ leadership. That portion of Scripture tells us that these men “…came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, ‘You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” (NIV).

However, Moses’ response to this accusation revealed that he actually held a different attitude: “When Moses heard it he fell down with his face to the ground” (Numbers 16:4). While the group opposing Moses displayed arrogance and disrespect, his reaction displayed an attitude of meekness and prayerful humility. He then followed by saying, “…the Lord will show who is His…” (Numbers 16:5).

Numbers chapter sixteen is also instructive for another reason. First, this passage tells us it is wrong to follow Korah’s bad example. God’s swift and devastating response to Korah and his followers punctuates the inappropriate nature of his example. Instead, the right approach involves a commitment to follow Jesus’ directive from Matthew 18:15-17 in handling our disputes with others.

We can also draw some insight from the following commentator regarding the Lord’s knowledge of those who belong to Him…

“False converts lack genuine contrition for sin. They make a profession of faith but are deficient in biblical repentance—’They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate’ (Tit_1:16). A true convert, however, has a knowledge of sin and has godly sorrow, truly repents, and produces the ‘things that accompany salvation’ (Heb_6:9). This is evident by the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of righteousness, etc. However, only God truly knows the genuine from the false.” ₍₁₎

Another source offers an equally penetrating observation…

“Some might say, ‘I belong to the Lord, I know I’m His. I am going to heaven. It doesn’t matter so much how I live.’ Yet, such a son has forgotten that there are two inscriptions on the foundation of God. There are two – and those who are His will have the desires and the actions to depart from iniquity.” ₍₂₎

(1) The Evidence Bible: Irrefutable Evidence for the Thinking Mind Compiled by Ray Comfort [Comment on 2 Timothy 2:19] Bridge Logos Foundation, 2002

(2) Guzik, Dave, 2 Timothy 2 – Advice To A Young Pastor, 4 (19). The reward of focus: The solid foundation of God. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-timothy-2/

XXXI

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

If you were invited to dine in the official residence of a head of state, would you expect to be served with disposable plates, paper cups, and plastic forks? While those utensils might be suitable for a picnic, they would not be acceptable in the home of a King, a President, or a Prime Minister. In those residences, we would expect to be served with crystal glassware, fine china, genuine silverware, and other utensils that are suitable for the home of an important person.

In this analogy, the fine glassware, china, and silverware all represent the “vessels of honor” mentioned in the passage quoted above. The cheap and disposable utensils symbolize dishonorable vessels. One source expands upon this idea in a first-century context…

“In biblical days, people didn’t have plumbing, so pots were used for many different purposes. Certain pots were set aside for drinking water or for food. Other pots were used to collect the dirty water and the garbage and refuse. You wouldn’t want to confuse these different vessels, and you certainly wouldn’t mix their uses. Paul here exhorted Timothy to keep himself pure. Once a pot was used for refuse, it would be a vessel of dishonor, not fit for higher uses. We need to keep ourselves pure and fit for the Master’s use.” ₍₁₎

Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that God often sees fit to use the human equivalent of an earthenware vessel or wooden container to fulfill His objectives. We can illustrate this idea with a portion of Scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:7: “…we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves” (NLT).

Those who wish to be put to an honorable use must therefore seek God’s help in acting upon this directive from 2 Timothy 2:21: “If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold– the very best in the house– so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes” (TLB). This should lead us to ask an important question: “Do I want to be the spiritual equivalent of a trash container or a piece of fine china?”

(1) Chuck Smith, The Word For Today Bible, study note on 2 Timothy 2:20-21, pg. 1598

XXXII

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:20-21 ESV).

In reflecting upon this passage, several commentators offer some valuable insights that are worthy of our attention. These authors discuss the role of human preference in determining our status as honorable or dishonorable vessels before God…

“… (Those) which are most often in the Master’s hands are not necessarily the gold vessels, but the clean ones, of whatever material. Cleanliness counts more with God than cleverness. Do not be anxious about your service; be ready for the Master to use you.” ₍₁₎

“…In our homes pots and pans have no choice as to what they are going to be used for — that is entirely up to the householder — but in Scripture it is very clear that, when this is applied to human beings, a choice is involved. We see that in Verse 21: “If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use.” We have no choice of whether we are going to be used of God or not; the choice we have is what God is going to use us for. That is up to us; it is put in our hands.” ₍₂₎

“Notice the condition of one choosing to cleanse himself and then the statement of God’s action. Sanctification is both a divine act and a human act. This pattern characterizes the covenant relationship in all of God’s dealings with humans. He always takes the initiative and sets the agenda, but mankind must respond appropriately and continue to respond.” ₍₃₎

“…it is the duty of a Christian to keep himself free from polluting influences. And if he does, his reward is not special honour and special privilege but special service… No Christian should ever think of fitting himself for honour but always as fitting himself for service.” ₍₄₎

In light of these things, we should be diligent to ask for God’s help in identifying and discarding any negative quality that might limit His desire to use us in His service. The following verse describes one such quality- and we’ll consider that quality at greater length beginning next.

(1) Meyer, Frederick Brotherton. “Commentary on 2 Timothy 2”. “F. B. Meyer’s ‘Through the Bible’ Commentary”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fbm/2-timothy-2.html. 1914.

(2) Excerpted with permission from Fit to be Used © 1982 by Ray Stedman Ministries. All rights reserved. Visit www.RayStedman.org for the complete library of Ray Stedman material. Please direct any questions to [email protected] https://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/timothy/fit-to-be-used

(4) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, Vessels Of Honor And Of Dishonor (2Ti_2:20-21)

XXXIII

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

The next distinguishing characteristic from 2 Timothy chapter two involves purity of thought and action. In considering this directive to “Flee youthful lusts…” (ASV), it is probably natural to think of this counsel in terms of sexual lust. However, this concept involves more than just an inappropriate physical or emotional response.

This reference to “lust” involves “a longing, especially for something that is forbidden.” ₍₁₎ In a general sense, “lust” can be identified with a person who seeks to use others to fulfill their appetites and desires. It may also involve an intense desire to possess (or control) someone or something that belongs to someone else.

It is important to note that lust differs from love in an important respect. You see, love involves giving and consideration of others’ needs (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). On the other hand, lust often involves things like exploitation and selfishness (see Colossians 3:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5). Since God is love (1 John 4:8), lust is incompatible with His character.

In addition to what we read here in 2 Timothy 2:22, the Biblical book of 1 Peter speaks disparagingly of lust as well…

Finally, we should remember that a lustful person is rarely satisfied with what he or she already has. Much like a small amount of rust that grows to consume a large piece of metal, lust also tends to grow if left unchecked. This brings us to an old adage that offers a simple but effective means of fleeing lust: “If you feed it, it grows; if you starve it, it dies.”

In other words, we should prayerfully refrain from feeding those areas of vulnerability to lust that already exist within our lives. If we fail to do so, those vulnerabilities are certain to grow and become more difficult to overcome. To borrow another analogy, we can view lust as a spark or flame that holds the potential to ignite a large fire. Just as a blazing fire is diminished when it is deprived of fuel or oxygen, the potential for lust often becomes easier to manage if we are diligent to avoid feeding it.

(1) G1939 epithumia Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1939/kjv/tr/0-1/

XXXIV

“But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22 RV).

In additional to physical lusts, we can identify several other areas that may reveal the presence of lustful tendencies within our lives. For instance, God identified some of those potential vulnerabilities through Paul the Apostle’s New Testament letters. Some of those areas might include…

Money: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Various Forms OF Idolatry: An “idol” represents anything that takes precedence over God within our lives. Unfortunately, it is not unusual to encounter those whose lives are dedicated to the pursuit of something over Someone. In light of this, 1 Corinthians 10:14 tells us, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Pride: “not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6).

Contentiousness, Jealousy, Selfish Ambition, And Other Similar Characteristics: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

One commentary summarizes these potential areas of concern with the following observation…

“Youthful lusts may refer not only to physical appetites but also to the lust for money, fame, and pleasure. They may also include self-will, impatience, pride, and levity. As we have mentioned, Timothy was probably about thirty-five years of age at this time. Therefore, youthful lusts do not necessarily mean such lusts as would be particularly characteristic of a teenager but would include all the unholy desires that would present themselves to a young servant of the Lord and seek to divert him from the path of purity and righteousness.” ₍₁₎

Since bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33) we would do well to seek the company of like-minded others who pursue “…goodness, faith, love and peace in company with all those who approach God in sincerity” (Phillips).

(1) Believer’s Bible Commentary William Macdonald, Edited by Arthur Farstad, Thomas Nelson Publishers [pg.2187]

XXXV

“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” (2 Timothy 2:23).

As we continue our catalog of God-honoring qualities from 2 Timothy chapter two, we now arrive at another important characteristic: God’s people should avoid argumentative discussions that only serve to generate conflict with others. If this cautionary message sounds familiar, it may be due to the fact that this has been a recurring theme throughout the Biblical letters of 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. For instance…

“…command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-4 NIV).
“…Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith” (1 Timothy 6:20-21).
“Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers” (2 Timothy 2:14).

As another commentator from an earlier generation once observed, “See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires, than in subtle disputes.” ₍₁₎

Fortunately, we can often identify a “foolish and ignorant dispute” if we stop to consider what each party seeks to accomplish in their interaction with one another. If one or both parties seems more interested in “winning the argument” than in pursuing the truth and/or mutual understanding, they are likely engaged in the kind of “stupid and senseless” (CEV) dispute mentioned here.

A closer look at the word translated “foolish” or “stupid” in this passage offers another incentive to avoid this kind of interaction…

“The word that is translated ‘stupid’ here is the word moros, from which we get our word, moron. Paul is talking about moronic controversies, foolish, trivial matters which, even when they are settled after long and loud debate, do nothing for you; they do not advance the Christian cause in the least degree. Such trivial matters may be interesting in some limited way, but they should never be allowed to become controversies and have people divide over them.” ₍₂₎

Since no reasonable person should ever wish to be classified as a moron, it is in our best interest to follow this Biblical injunction and steer clear of such argumentative interactions.

See related study here

(1) Henry, Matthew. “Concise Commentary on 2 Timothy 2”. “Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhn/2-timothy-2.html. 1706.

(2) Excerpted with permission from Guidelines for Controversies © 1982 by Ray Stedman Ministries. All rights reserved. Visit www.RayStedman.org for the complete library of Ray Stedman material. Please direct any questions to [email protected] https://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/timothy/guidelines-for-controversies

XXXVI

“And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25 NET).

There are no shortages of those who seem eager to engage others with an opposing point of view. For instance, anyone who has ever taken part in a general discussion on an open social media platform has undoubtedly witnessed many examples of those who oppose one another on a variety of subjects. This seems especially true regarding spiritual topics.

To be fair, we can say that such opposition may be justified in certain instances. For example, if our spiritual beliefs are largely based upon our feelings or opinions, we should not be surprised if others choose to take issue with them. Fortunately, there are many apologetic resources that serve to validate the truth of Christianity and enable us to fulfill the message of 1 Peter 3:15-16…

“Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way. Do what is right; then if men speak against you, calling you evil names, they will become ashamed of themselves for falsely accusing you when you have only done what is good” (TLB).

2 Timothy 2:24-25 offers some additional guidance on this subject. As we consider this passage, it is important to recognize that the primary goal for an ambassador of Christ is not to prevail in a debate as he or she engages with others. Instead, the goal is to help those individuals establish a relationship (or grow in their relationship) with Christ.

Even if we possess exceptional communication skills, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God ultimately provide others with the wisdom necessary to accept God’s offer of salvation through Jesus (see 2 Timothy 3:15 and John 16:7-8). With these things in mind, one source candidly explains the implications of this passage…

“Anyone attempting to answer the questions of unbelievers will surely be wronged and be tempted to lose patience, but our ultimate goal is that they might come to a knowledge of the truth that Jesus has died for their sins. With so important a task at hand, we must not neglect obedience to this command.” ₍₁₎

In fact, this portion of Scripture is so applicable to modern-day culture that it will occupy the focus of our attention over the next few studies.

(1) Geisler, N. L., & Brooks, R. M. 1990. When Skeptics Ask – A Handbook on Christian Evidences Victor Books: Wheaton, Ill.

XXXVII

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25 ESV).

This portion of Scripture builds upon a topic discussed earlier in our look at 2 Timothy 2:14: “Remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn’t do any good but only destroys those who are listening” (GW).

Author and speaker Greg Koukl offers several insights related to these passages that we can use in engaging those who hold opposing views. These insights can help neutralize potential quarrels and other types of non-productive discussions as we interact with others…

“What Is an Argument? There’s a difference between an argument and a fight. Christians are not to be acrimonious, nasty, or harsh, fighting for the fight’s sake. Paul warns against such quarreling and abuse (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

An argument is not a fight or a quarrel, but a reasoned and principled disputation about matters of fact. Arguments are important, therefore, because they help us discover the facts and find the truth. If you think about it, much of the New Testament consists of arguments in written form–Paul, Peter, and the others arguing for a critical point of truth.

Think of an argument like a simple house, a roof supported by walls. The roof is the conclusion and the walls are the supporting ideas. By testing the walls we can see if they are strong enough to keep the roof from tumbling down. If the walls are solid, the conclusion rests securely on its supporting foundation. If the walls collapse, the roof goes flat and the argument is defeated.

Some arguments are not really arguments at all. Many people try to build their roof right on the ground. Instead of erecting solid walls–the supporting ideas that hold the conclusion up–they simply assert their view and pound the podium.

An argument is different from an assertion, though. An assertion simply states a point. An argument gives supporting reasons why the point should be taken seriously. The reasons, then, become the topic of mutual discussion or analysis. Opinions by themselves are not proof. A mere point of view is not worthy of belief. Belief requires reasons. Roofs are useless when they’re on the ground; they don’t cover anything. In the same way an assertion without evidence doesn’t do any work.” ₍₁₎

XXXVIII

“But it is necessary that a servant of the Lord not be quarrelsome but be gentle to all, skilled in teaching, patient even in the midst of evil, in meekness instructing those who oppose you, if perhaps God might grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25 Mounce).

One important quality referenced here in 2 Timothy 2:24-25 involves meekness (ESV) or gentleness (HCSB). This characteristic refers to “…a humble opinion of one’s self, a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness, modesty, lowliness of mind.” ₍₁₎ Although meekness is often equated with weakness, this word is more accurately defined as “power under control.” It also describes those who choose to defer to an authority rather than insist upon doing things their way.

This usually involves a willingness to listen and consider another person’s point of view. It might also prompt us to search for areas of common interest that help promote mutual understanding (see 1 Corinthians 9:19-22). Since this characteristic does away with the harshness and abrasiveness that reflects many types of human interaction, it may serve to diffuse a potentially confrontational situation.

So a person who exhibits meekness is someone who is distinguished by the positive qualities of graciousness, courtesy, and restraint rather than the negative qualities of egotism, arrogance, and/or disrespect. Jesus makes the following promise to those who are marked by this characteristic: “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

In fact, Jesus serves as the personification of this quality for He, “…being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-9 NIV).

Therefore, it is no coincidence that the Scriptures associate this characteristic with a God-honoring life: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV). The book of Galatians also offers an important reminder concerning this passage…

“Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted” (GW).

Finally, meekness is closely related to humility, another attribute that is often misunderstood or poorly defined. We’ll consider that characteristic next.

XXXIX

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

In commenting upon this passage, one Biblical scholar makes an observation that merits our attention: “How we treat those who oppose the gospel says something important about the gospel and about us!” ₍₁₎One characteristic that says something important about the gospel and ourselves is humility.

Humility can be defined as, “A freedom from arrogance that grows out of the recognition that all that we have and are comes from God… Biblical humility is not a belittling of oneself, but an exalting and praising of others, especially God and Christ.” ₍₁₎ This represents a positive quality that involves courtesy, respect, and a modest self-opinion.

While the world at large often devalues humility in favor of more aggressive qualities, the Biblical book of Proverbs reminds us that “Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored” (Proverbs 15:33 TLB). When others question our wisdom or dishonor us for acting in humility, it helps to remember the value that the Primary Author of Proverbs 15:33 places upon this trait.

The following commentator addresses this characteristic in practical terms that we can apply in our relationships with others…

“As followers of Christ, we are to be those who uphold the truth of God’s revealed Word. That means there will be times when we must confront error as we contend earnestly for the faith. With unbelievers, this will often take the form of apologetics, boldly giving a defense for the hope that is in us. With fellow believers, this may take the form of confrontation, as we plead with a spiritual brother or sister to repent of sinful thinking or action.

Speaking the truth in love addresses the way in which we speak. We must not be obnoxious with the truth, or personally offensive in how we approach others. Rather, we are called to communicate in such a way that the manner of our speaking honors our Lord Jesus and edifies His body, the church. When we speak of love, we are not suggesting that we should ignore error or blindly tolerate ‘every wind of doctrine.’ Not at all.

Biblical love ‘does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth’ (1 Cor. 13:6). Our postmodern world wrongly equates love with tolerance of all beliefs and actions. But being tolerant of doctrinal error or unrepentant sin is not truly loving at all. Thus, we speak the truth because it is the most loving thing we can do.” ₍₂₎

(2) Nathan Busenitz, “Speaking the Truth in Love” Tabletalk magazine, July, 2013 [pgs. 18-19]