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2 Timothy 2:14-26
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.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: In our passage today, Paul prepares Timothy for the struggles in ministry coming not from outside the church, but from inside it. He gives Timothy a picture of a pastor, faithful and enduring, using three different images: an approved workman, clean vessel, and a servant, one who is gracious in conflict. This is more than just a picture of a pastor, but also offers wisdom for all who seek to follow Jesus in faithfulness.
Review and Apply
Compare and contrast the motivations and qualifications of Timothy and the false teachers of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
How do we cleanse ourselves so that we might be useful, ready for every good work?
What are some youthful passions from which you must flee? How do you do this 'along with those who call upon the name of the Lord from a pure heart?'
What are some controversies you have not avoided that have led to quarrels? What effect does quarreling have on the relationship in the church and home?
How ought we to confront and correct our opponents, whether they be misguided Christians or unbelievers who think themselves Christian?
How does this passage help you pray for the leadership of our church?
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