Free Bible Commentary
“2 Timothy 2:14-19”
Categories: 2 Timothy“Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.’”
---End of Scripture verses---
“Remind them of these things” (verse 14). One of the most important duties of a faithful Gospel preacher is to give frequent reminders to people of what the Lord expects and demands of them. If you are anything like me, you forget things that you have learned in the past. The only way that we can commit something to memory is to read it or hear it over and over again until we are fully immersed in it. “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder.” (2 Peter 1:12-13).
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God” (verse 15). This is an expectation and a demand placed upon all of God’s people, not just Gospel preachers. The word “approved” means to be “accepted after testing”. This world and its trials and temptations are the crucible through which God tests us, refines us, purifies us. If we are “workmen” for God who diligently pursue Him and His will in all righteousness and purity, we will have no need “to be ashamed” after He has inspected us.
The standard by which we must live our lives and the prism through which we must view the world is “the word of truth”. If we mishandle God’s inspiration, if we distort His revelation, and manipulate it to suit our own selfish will and desires, we will fail the test miserably and incur His wrath. “The Lord knows those who are His” (verse 19). They are the ones who cherish and respect and take very seriously the word of truth. They carefully consider it, persistently pursue it and accurately handle it, knowing that they are currently being examined by the words of Christ, and will ultimately be judged by the Bible on the last day.
Please read 2 Timothy 2:20-26 for tomorrow.
We would love to have you come worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ.
We assemble at 3741 Taylorsville Road in Louisville Kentucky.
9:30 AM Bible classes for all ages. 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM worship services.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
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