The Pattern of Sound Words

The Pattern of Sound Words

2 Timothy 1:13-14 NKJV - Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

James 1:26; 3:13-18

What we are to avoid saying is as important as what we intend, or need, to say. The first part of James 3 deals with the negative aspects (the “do not”s), and the latter part deals with the positive aspects of speech, putting forward the accurate, godly character of a “wise man”, and then comparing earthly wisdom with spiritual wisdom. Finally, we see that the end of these things is the fruits of righteousness, the good effect that our words and actions can have in our time.

Our intent should be to focus on the positive steps we can take to improve our service to God and to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, especially in what we say.

The “wise man” (v. 13)

“endued with knowledge”

Back to the start of the chapter - one who is seen as having an ability to teach – again, “apt to teach” (EVERYONE, not just preachers/elders/deacons)

2 Tim 2:24-25 – “the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”

On balance - 2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV - But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Remember, James says “be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (3:1)

Typically, a teacher is seen as having more ability than others (deserved or not), so it’s important to try to match that expectation. Our influence is at stake here.

This means that we cannot approach the concept of teaching lightly. It’s something we must PREPARE for.

How do we prepare? First, we must be endued with knowledge, as v. 13 states.

2 Tim 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Rightly dividing the word is a skill learned over time, and everyone should be seeking to master it.

It requires patient discernment and a conviction of focus.

“let him show”

Students must be given reason to listen to a teacher. In school, best teachers welcome questions and curiosity, while the worst seem to constantly resist having to prove their ability and knowledge.

As teachers of the Bible, we must be willing and ready for any and all questions.

1 Pet 3:15a – “…and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

“well that’s what the passage says” should be the line we get to AFTER we use reason and logic to APPEAL to others.

Before you give YOUR answer, listen to the answer of the other person and understand it so well that you can repeat it to them to THEIR satisfaction.

“out of a good conversation”

“conversation”: “manner of life, behavior, conduct”

The wise man wants his good life to be seen so that others will emulate and glorify God in similar fashion, NOT that others praise him. This is so integral to our influence, even when we do not teach.

“his works”

James makes this clear in ch. 2. Faith without works is dead.

The teacher/”master” is being told to essentially practice what he preaches, to show his purported wisdom with the works of a good life. The works are the fruit of his work in the Kingdom.

Noted “good works” of communication

Encouragement of our brothers and sisters in all the good that they do

Speaking up for brethren in stressful situations

Correcting brethren in love and kindness

Being silent when consideration of growth is needed

“in meekness of wisdom”

Proverbs 9:8-9 - “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning”

We must always resist being proud as a teacher. This is one of the best tools to aid our teaching, that we be open and ready to listen.

When approached about a lesson, take care that you are defending the truth, NOT just yourself.

Be willing to listen, discern what is useful, and move forward with modifications toward improvement and growth!

Two Forms of Wisdom (v. 14-17)

Warning against envying and strife (v. 14)

envying: “an envious and contentious rivalry” – a form of jealousy

Encouraged to “earnestly contend” for the faith (Jude 1:3)

This is a carnal motivation for contention, and it is the downfall of many gospel preachers.

strife: “electioneering or intriguing for office” – selfishly putting oneself forward

Matt. 20:26-28 – “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

“lie not against the truth” – Acting contrary to one’s own teaching.

Matt 23:2-3 – “Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”

Recognition of their title, but a rebuke of their actions!

If we have these negative aspects within us (envying and strife), we should not glory, or boast, in our teaching.

Wisdom from “below”

“not from above” – 1:17a – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”

The fruit (result) of wisdom tells of the source.

earthly – carnal, worldly motives

sensual – only concerned with the senses, with what we see, hear, taste, smell, touch

devilish – demon-like

where “envying and strife” exist is “confusion and every evil work” – no exception.

1 Cor 14:33 – “God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace…”

the proof that such wisdom is earthly is the fruits – confusion and all kinds of evil.

Note the progression – earthly, sensual, devilish – this false “wisdom” should repulse us!

Wisdom from “above”

first pure – the priority of any true wisdom is purity.

peaceable – in the way that it works in our lives. It creates peace among men, and between men and God. It is methodical and harmonious.

gentle – considerate with others, not rash or quickly angered

easy to be intreated – The teacher must be teachable! (already mentioned)

full of mercy and good fruits – compassion with loving deeds.

James 1:27 – “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

without partiality or hypocrisy – no question in the “wise man’s” mind about devotion to God, and no carnal motives.

The fruit of righteousness (v. 18)

Sown in peace

The word of God is a seed. (Mark 4:14 – “the sower soweth the word”)

This planting must be done in peaceful conditions.

The most important thing we can use our speech for is to teach God’s Word.

This is the task of every Christian.

Of them that make peace

Righteousness is produced in an environment of peace. We must have this peace among ourselves if we wish to truly be lights in the world for the cause of Christ.

We can have that wisdom that’s from above, from God. This is the culmination of God’s plan on earth.

v. 1 of chapter 4 reads, “From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?”

Matt. 15:11 “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”

Let’s make sure that the things that come out of us do not defile us, but glorify God.

1 Peter 1:22-25