2 Timothy 2
Ecclesiastes 1
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
2 Timothy 2:23-24 (also verse 14 & 16)
Contentious Chatter. In this section (verses 14-22), Paul is writing to Timothy regarding his conduct and character as a Christian worker, but also about the right handling of the word of truth. Regarding teaching God’s word, John Stott writes, that it is important to evaluate, what its (the teaching) attitude is towards God, and also what affect it has upon men. Does it honour God? And, does it promote holiness?
So often, we argue about disputable matters (Romans 14), or as the commentators about this section have called them: trivial and pointless debates, senseless controversies, vain discussion or devious disputation! We must remind ourselves of the gravity of responsibility, ‘before God’ (verse 14), and that we, His servants, are to be ultimately approved by Him (verse 15)!
We are warned that these quarrels promote ungodliness (verse 16) and wandering from the truth (verse 18). Instead, we should be gracious, and kind, not resentful (verse 24).
Lord, I pray that I will not argue over unimportant details. In important areas of Christian truth, I pray for wisdom, grace, patience and kindness. Help me to build my life on your Word and build your Word into my life. Enable me to flee from spiritual danger, and run after spiritual good. Amen.