14Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
17Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
- P36
19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
l - P36
22Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
- P37
25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. - P37
Paul tells Timothy to warn others against quarreling about words and en-courages him to correctly handle the word of truth. He warns against godlesschatter and false teachers. He instructs Timothy to flee from the evil desires ofyouth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. - P37
He is to gently instructhis opponents, hoping God will grant them repentance. - P37
Paul instructs Timothy to warn the believers against indulging in godless conversations, which promote further ungodliness. He also points out how false teachings can destroy a person’s faith. Healthy debate and correction can be useful, but quarreling and bickering have a negative impact on those who listen. Paul’s instructions are meant to remind Timothy of the power of words. - P38
Maintaining good character is also important because someone who does God’s work should not be comitting shameful acts or mishandling God’s Word. - P38
Remember that words have power and value, especially when related to faith. Words of truth coming from people with godly character have great impact, but those who indulge in shameful acts and false teachings destroy others. - P38
Paul describes what Timothy should be like as a servant of the Lord: notquarrelsome, kind to everyone, able to teach, and not resentful. He mustgently instruct his opponents, hoping that God will lead them to repentand know the truth. - P38
True servants of the Lord are not to act out of arogance or immaturity but pursue righteousness, faith, love, andpeace.
They are to avoid foolish arguments and seek to be kind to others, offeringgentle instruction. Such an approach can help people recognize the devil‘slies for what they are and see the light of God‘s truth. - P38
May we be carefulto avoid prideful, immature, and foolish pursuits and instead reflect God‘srighteousness and kindness as we encourage others to draw near to Him. - P38
I am, of course, open tohealthy debate and correction, but if someone offers a harsh word, hopethat my own response will reflect Christ-like character. - P39
Dear God, thank you for the privilege of being Your servant on this earth. I want to be effective in helping others know Your truth. - P39
Lead me away from immature or foolish pursuits and teach me to reflect Your gentleness when I speak with others. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P39
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