2 Tim 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
From his dungeon location, Paul continues to urge Timothy to protect the delivery of God’s Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Having established how important it is for each generation to share the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and how He has impacted their lives, Paul now turns to the subject of truth – and protecting the essence of truth.
Do not be taken in by “foolish and ignorant disputes,” Paul writes, recognizing the danger which may come from divisions of opinion about how to apply truth, and how avoiding the whole of God’s Word can and will cause great differences of opinion about a statement from God’s Word.
We often say that, “a text without context is the basis for pretext,” and this seems to be what Paul is arguing here. To Timothy: “Never allow God’s Word to be used as a weapon to deceive or to confuse.”
Who would do such a thing?
Satan, working through people, even people in the ‘church.’ Paul names them without reservation. “Hymenaeus and Philetus – and – this sort.” This will not be a singular instance, but a recurring theme in the history of the church. Hymenaeus and Philetus are only mentioned as types of those who will follow, and they are mentioned as types to be avoided at all cost – because of the cost – for the real harm they do to those who are in the process of making a decision for Christ, or walking by faith following Christ.
The strange doctrines which have entered the church without Biblical support have done harm because they always appeal to the flesh. The flesh is the LAST thing which needs to be exalted in the church.
- Pastor Bill
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