Stick to what Matters
Opening Prayer
Gracious Heavenly Father, teach me more about godly speech today and how to use it for Your glory.
Read 2 TIMOTHY 2:14-26
[14] Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. [15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. [16] Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. [17] Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, [18] who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. [19] Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” [20] In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. [21] If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. [22] Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [23] Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. [24] And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. [25] Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How would you summarize Paul’s major admonitions here?Paul is concerned that Timothy, whom he has left in charge of the church at Ephesus, and the Church as a whole, will be sidetracked into matters that are, at best, a waste of time and, at worst, destructive.
Speculative teachings, hair-splitting arguments and “godless chatter” (16) may seem harmless, but they’re not. Paul sees that they have the ability to divide the Church and destroy people’s faith (see 1 Tim. 1:19,20). Although each generation of believers has to apply faith to a new situation, the Church belongs to Christ (19) and nobody is at liberty to rewrite the faith that has been believed “everywhere, always and by all.” That’s why it’ so important to hold on to core beliefs (“these things,” v. 14).
As a Christian leader entrusted with the Gospel, Timothy must handle the Word of God correctly (15). What we say and the attitude with which we say it are critical. So we must focus on our core task (23-26).
Apply
Are you clear about your core beliefs, purposes and tasks? How could you be more “useful to the Master” (21)?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, keep me focused where You want my focus to be. Make me more useful to You, I pray.
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