2 Timothy 2-6.22.22
Scripture
2 Timothy 2:22-26
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. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 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.
Observation
Paul encourages the church in Ephesus to put aside godless chatter and quarrels over things that don’t matter to the kingdom of God and instead prepare themselves as servants of Christ. “The Lord’s servant = shepherd on a rescue mission that requires the correct handling of the word of truth.” Asbury Study Bible
Understanding
Society today is increasingly polarized and FULL of quarreling. Everyone seems to believe that their opinion is the only acceptable one and people have stopped listening to each other or treating people with differing opinions with respect. If we are not careful, this can bleed over into the church.
In verses 14-16, Paul says, “Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 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.” What does it mean to correctly handle the word of truth?
I Peter 3:15 (NIV) “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
If we want to lead people to the truth, we must be prepared (prayer, bible reading), we must focus on being a servant of God (avoid godless chatter and quarrels over things not important to the kingdom), and we must treat all with gentleness and respect (inside and outside the church).
Life Application
Lord, help me to put my focus more and more on You and put aside the things that don’t build your kingdom.
-Debbie Dunn