An Approved Checklist

I. Not a quarrelsome tongue, :14-19

2 Timothy 2:14–15 ESV

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:14 ESV

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

A. The problem,

2 Timothy 2:14 ESV

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

The Imperative: Constantly reminding others of basic NT teachings (die/live; endure/reign; deny/deny)

A good teacher,

The Imperative: Constantly reminding others of basic NT teachings (die/live; endure/reign; deny/deny)

The Charge: Avoids combative speech (Victory belongs to the text not to the hearer)

1st Result: Does no good (value/purpose)

2nd Result: Ruins (καταστροφῇ) turns away from truth. The opposite of edification.

Victory belongs to the text not to the hearer

Paul outlined two results of such verbal quibbles. First, it accomplishes no good purpose (“is useless,” NASB; “is of no value,” NIV). Second, it works to the ruin of those who participate in it (“brings destruction on those who hear it,” Williams). The word for “ruins” (katastrophē) describes the tearing down of believers. It is the opposite of edification. Word splitting whets an appetite for argument rather than building commitment to the living God. In the heat of debate we must always ask ourselves if the subject is actually worth a fight and a searing disagreement.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)[1] is defined by the DSM-5 as "a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness".[2]

Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 214). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

The background is Gnosticism.

The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (1) Resistance of the False Teachers (2:14–19)

“In the end disputing about words seeks not the victory of truth but the victory of the speaker.” This word splitting involved useless verbal quibbling, but it did not focus on the aims of Christianity.

Paul outlined two results of such verbal quibbles. First, it accomplishes no good purpose (“is useless,” NASB; “is of no value,” NIV). Second, it works to the ruin of those who participate in it (“brings destruction on those who hear it,” Williams). The word for “ruins” (katastrophē) describes the tearing down of believers. It is the opposite of edification. Word splitting whets an appetite for argument rather than building commitment to the living God. In the heat of debate we must always ask ourselves if the subject is actually worth a fight and a searing disagreement.

The solution is James words only versus faith by works

Illustration: There was a time I had to decide to follow an academic or practical ministry path. The 1st would focus on me wanting to become more religious — and therefore better than anyone else. The latter would focus on me become a servant and thereby lower than everyone else.

B. The threefold positive solution,

A good student,

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

1. Supreme ambition is God’s approval

Present — amid false teachers

Approved (δόκιμος) — passed the test

In 1st century construction, a flawed stone would be marked with an “A”. Dokimos = approved; Adokomastos = disapproved.

2. Work so diligently that you would have no fear of shame for shoddy work

3. Accurately deliver the Gospel message

The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (1) Resistance of the False Teachers (2:14–19)

First, Timothy was to make it his supreme ambition to obtain God’s approval (“Try hard to show yourself worthy of God’s approval,” NEB). Second, he was to be a workman with no reason to be ashamed. The term “workman” is frequently used in reference to an agricultural laborer (e.g., Jas 5:4), but here Paul used the term to describe a laborer for God. Paul was urging his Christian friend to work with such diligence that he would have no fear of shame for poor quality work. Third, this same workman (specifically, Timothy but by application today all believers) was to be accurate in delivering the message of truth. The truth is the gospel. Paul showed concern that Timothy would present the gospel without perverting or distorting it. He was not to be turned aside by disputes about words or mere empty prattle.

To cut rightly. A father dividing the food. A straight road or row of corn.

Refers to a student getting the message out of the text. Without adding, subtracting or distorting. I.e. As oft as you meet together.

Our words must draw us nearer to God and each other. Discussion is good. But not if it leaves the hearers confused and at odds with each other.

C. The negative solution & illustration,

2 Timothy 2:16–19 ESV

16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

The negative illustration,

II. Not a defiled body,

2 Timothy 2:20–22 ESV

20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

III. While rescuing all from Satan’s snares, :23-26

A. Don’t be hurtful — be helpful,

2 Timothy 2:23–24 ESV

23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

B. Bring back the trapped,

2 Timothy 2:25–26 ESV

25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.