TEACH, AVOID, CORRECT
Opening Prayer
Speak Your truth to me today, Lord Jesus.
Read 2 Timothy 2:14–26
Dealing With False Teachers
14 Keep reminding God’s people 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 worker 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 departed 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 special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special 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 be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, 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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is the most important task in Gospel ministry? Of all the things pastors and ministers do, what should they prioritize?In this section Paul gives Timothy three clear pointers of what his work is to involve. First, Timothy is to teach God’s people correctly (14,15). His ministry is to be one of being an unashamed workman who clearly, fully and devotedly gives himself to teaching God’s Word. If your church leaders do that, give thanks for them now.
Secondly, he is to teach the truth because there is so much falsehood around. Those like Hymenaeus and Philetus (17) are destroying people with their gangrenous teaching, proclaiming that the resurrection of the dead has already happened (18). Timothy is to avoid such error and boldly proclaim what is true. Teaching truth is the best weapon to tackle falsehood.
Thirdly, he is to correct error. Timothy is not to be bristling for arguments, quarrels and clashes over irrelevancies. The people who are confused about the truth are to be gently instructed (25). Timothy is to focus on faithfully teaching God’s Word, and as he does this people will grow, falsehood will be exposed, and error will be corrected.
Apply
Think about your church. Is the ministry that goes on there in line with what you have read today? Commit to pray for your church each day this week that they would be strong in these areas.
Closing prayer
Pray that God’s Word would be handled correctly and preached and taught faithfully.
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