2Tim 2:14-26

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2Tim 2:14-4:5 AN APPROVED WORKER AND FALSE TEACHERS

Teach essentials; avoid quarrels (2Tim 2:14-26)

Paul repeats the advice of his previous letter that Timothy should not waste time discussing fanciful theories (cf. 1 Tim 1:3-11; 4:6-10).

Christian teachers build up their hearers by presenting the truth of God clearly and honestly, not by allowing the imagination to control their preaching (2Tim 2:14-16).

Foolish speculation and self-invented theories were what caused Hymenaeus and Philetus to depart from the faith. They denied the future resurrection of the body, apparently by asserting that the resurrection was the spiritual awakening experienced at conversion (2Tim 2:17-18; cf. 1 Tim 1:19-20). But false teaching does not shake the firm foundation of God’s truth. God protects those who belong to him, though they on their part must turn away from wrongdoing (2Tim 2:19).

The presence of good and bad in the visible church is compared to the presence of many types of articles in a large house. Some articles are precious, but others are of little value and are unfit for honourable use (2Tim 2:20).

If believers are to be clean and fit for God’s use, they must avoid sinful desires and foolish arguments, and seek instead the company of those who strive for the truly Christian virtues (2Tim 2:21-23).

By wise and patient instruction, the servants of God may be able to release wrongdoers from Satan’s grip and lead them into the freedom that comes from knowing God’s truth (2Tim 2:24-26).