2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of
the Lord,
that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting
of those who hear.
2:15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God,
a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the
Word of Truth.
2:16 But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in
ungodliness,
2:17 and their word will consume like gangrene,
of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
2:18 men who have erred concerning the truth,
saying that the resurrection is already past,
and overthrowing the faith of some.
2:19 However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal,
"The Lord knows those who are his," and,
"Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."
Sanctified Vessel
2:20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver,
but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor.
2:21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these,
he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for
the master's use,
prepared for every good work.
2:22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love,
and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they
generate strife.
Gentle Servant
2:24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel,
but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
2:25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him:
perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of
the truth,
2:26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare,
having been taken captive by him to his will.
Discussion Questions
What does he mean by "quarreling about words" and other forms of "godless
chatter"?
(vs 23 - What's an example of a "stupid argument" and how do they produce
quarrels?
vs 24 - Teachers can easily be resentful against those who disagree
or quarrel with them. Such resentfulness must be rejected. But how do you
recommended not resenting those who disagree with you?)
How does this differ from doing detailed analytic Bible study?
Or how does this differ from what Paul and others did in Acts 9:26;
15:2; 18:28?
How do people misuse the word of God?
Why would anyone say that the resurrection had already taken place?
And how might such an idea destroy the faith of some?
vs 19 What is the point of putting this verse here?
Do those belong to God, who say that they believe in Christ, but continue
living a lifestyle of sin? (1John 3:6)
vs 20 Notice the relationship with the 1Cor 3:11-15 judgment. (A judgment
not dealing with the issue of salvation, but rather one of rewards).
vs 22 How has fellowship with other Christians helped you in fleeing
evil desires?
Comment
As throughout 2Timothy, this section is filled with with the sense of
purpose.
Timothy has a job to do, a mission to fulfill. May it be that we all have
such a sense of responsibility. For without the sense of "mission", we
all can become lazy, even fulfilling the desires of our flesh while we
wait to die, idly standing around doing nothing or busily involved in fulfilling
the vain and futile goals that our flesh or the world dictates to us. Those
with the sense of purpose are involved in the process of preparation and
sanctification to serve the Master.
vs 14 "arguing about words" (logomacheo)
"To wrangle about empty and trifling matters."
The culture at the time, being dominated with greek philosophy, was
ripe for such empty and foolish debates as was common in the pagan community
to have its influence on the Christian community. Paul was not speaking
against the style of argumentation, as he himself had argued in Athens
itself in a similar manner as the greeks. Rather he was against the content
commonly used in such debates filled with empty, vain reasoning not based
on truth but on the mere speculation of depraved men. Those who mishandle
the Bible by reading into it their own vain ideas rather than reading out
of it the meaning that the author intended will end up being ashamed of
doing so. Arguments based subjectively on mere speculation tend to produce
unnecessary quarrels since everyone may have his own opinion about such
subjective ideas. (Which is one of the reasons why God had to write down
His word in black in white so as to provide a more objective source of
truth).