February 10, 2023

2 Timothy 2:14-26  (HCSB)
An Approved Worker
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. 17 And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. 18 They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness. 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. 24 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 26 Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will.

Andy Nash
As Paul closes 2 Timothy in these verses, he specifically mentions something that really applies to our world today. Inverse 16 he states, “avoid godless chatter" and then again in verse 23 he states, “don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments”. The adjectives he uses are pretty telling: "godless”, “foolish”, and “stupid” ...... enough said. Paul is really driving home the point that Christians today should avoid gossip, slander, useless conversation and arguments. He feels so strongly about this that he warns us twice! As a child did your parents ever warn you about something you were doing? My dad would warn me once with a tone that was definitely attention getting. I never wanted to get that next warning because there were always consequences. Well, Paul is warning us twice about our talk. We really need to pay attention.