July 25th, 2023
We to need to keep reminding people, both those of the church and those outside the church, that is both the saved and the unsaved, about the truth found in scripture. Even if we (they) may know these truths already, we need to be reminded again and again that truth found in God’s word. And I will do it (we will do it), Lord willing, as long as God allows. Actually, we all should be reminding one another about the faith, and living for Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15). What is it that Paul wants Timothy to remind others about in his second epistle? The answer lies in all of what Paul has said to Timothy in (2 Timothy 2:1-13)
- Be strong – (2:1)
- Endure hardness – (2:3)
- Strives (competes) by the rules – (2:5)
- The Lord gives understanding – (2:7)
- Remember the resurrection – (2:8)
- The Word of God is not bound – (2:9)
- To endure for those who will be saved – (2:10)
- If we died with Him – we will live with Him – (2:11)
- If we suffer (endure) with Him – we will reign with Him – (2:12)
- He is faithful – (2:13)
Paul has just listed numerous positive things that offer strength and encouragement to young Timothy and all believers. How easy it is for any of us to get our eyes off of what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done in us and for us concerning His salvation. In doing so it is easy to get off on rabbit trails, so that we strive about the words we hear and see to no profit. This seems to be a problem that was occurring in the church in Timothy’s day, and it can even become a problem for us if we are not careful.
How was Timothy supposed to deal with the striving over words going on in the body of Christ in his day? Charge them, before the Lord – not to strive (battle) about word’s that don’t profit (Romans 14:1) (1 Timothy 1:3-4) (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 6:20-21) (2 Timothy 2:23-24) (Titus 3:9-11).
What’s the result of such talk?
- It subverts (ruins – overthrow – destroys) those who are listening – (2:14)
- It increases to more ungodliness – (2:16)
- It overthrows the faith of some – (2:18)
- Read: (Malachi 3:16) (Matthew 12:35-36) (Ephesians 4:25-32)