14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. —2 Timothy 2:14-26
Big Idea: When facing opponents - we must “present ourselves as ones approved.”
Paul’s Contrast:
Don’t: Quarrel about words, which does no good and ruins the hearers.
Do: Present yourself as one approved, who need not be ashamed, because they rightly handle the word.
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. —2 Timothy 2:20-21
Paul tells Timothy to “present himself as one approved” because opponents coming against the gospel can tempt us into sin.
Point 1: God commands us not to street brawl.
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. —2 Timothy 2:14
23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome —2 Timothy 2:23-24a
We are commanded by God: Do not quarrel about words.
3 things that happen when we face a bad reputation:
1. People are going to talk.
2. Opponents are going to come.
3. Friends are going to leave.
We cannot allow the pressure of this discomfort to tempt us into sin.
The story we are fighting: Christians are nothing like Christ.
Point 2: Opponents must be engaged through “the gentle art.”
24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. —2 Timothy 2:24-25a
Point 3: Our goal is to win hearts, not arguments.
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. —2 Timothy 2:25-26
Our goal is that the person would come to their senses and be free, not to defeat them at any cost. Which means:
1. We need to think about how our words will be heard by the other party.
2. It’s okay to “tap” and admit you don’t know or are getting angry.
3. People may have injuries that we can’t see but still hurt.