“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.” (2 Timothy 2:14 (ESV)
Today’s text refers the reader back to the original context beginning in 2:1-2. “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
The pronoun “them” in vs. 14 refers to the faithful men of God who the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to entrust what he heard from the apostle to these faithful men (vs. 2). This was so these individuals would teach others, who would then teach others, and so on even to the present day. This is the biblical philosophy of disciples making disciples.
Paul wanted Timothy to remind these faithful men the truths the apostle outlined in 2:3-13. These included not only being a teacher, but also one who suffers hardship in the ministry like a soldier, an athlete and a farmer (vs. 3-7), who endures hardship even when imprisoned for the gospel (vs. 8-9), who does so for the sake of the elect (vs. 10), and who truly evidences faith in Christ (vs. 11-13).
The word remind (ὑπομίμνῃσκε; hypomimneske) is a present active singular imperative verb. It means to continuously, actively, personally, and obediently cause these faithful men to remember what the Apostle Paul taught. In other words, Timothy was to bring to these men’s remembrance the biblical doctrine of perseverance. Why? It is because when one is in the midst of the difficulties of ministry, it is easy to forget the principle of endurance.
“Timothy is to remind the ‘reliable men’ (‘ministers’) to remain steadfast in the performance of their God-given tasks of teaching, preaching, etc. Amid their many afflictions let them always look up to Jesus Christ, the risen and reigning Savior, who imparts strength to his faithful ones, and rewards them. It is clear that the expression ‘these things’ refers especially to the preceding paragraph (verses 1-13), and perhaps even more directly to verses 8-13,” explains Dr. William Henriksen.
The word charge (διαμαρτυρόμενος; diamartyromenos) is a present middle singular participle. It means to continuously and personally warn, testify, and to solemnly protest. This warning from Paul to Timothy was so the young pastor would continually caution the faithful men he was discipling. Warn them about what exactly?
Paul did not want faithful men of God, including Timothy, to quarrel about words (λογομαχεῖν; logomachein). This is a present active infinitive verb. It refers to having a battle with, and over, words. In other words, faithful men of God are not to engage in arguments with false teachers. It is not good (χρήσιμον; chresimon) because it brings no benefit. In fact, it only brings ruin (καταστροφῇ; katastrophe) or subversion. We derive our English word catastrophe from this Greek term. These are word battles for nothing useful. They are debates causing faithful pastors to be sidetracked into the devious-by-ways of futile debates.
“Arguing with false teachers, i.e., deceivers who use human reason to subvert God’s word, is not only foolish (Prov. 14:7) and futile (Matt. 7:6), but dangerous (2 Tim. 2:16–17; cf. 2 Tim. 2:23). This is the first of three warnings to avoid useless arguments. See vv. 16, 23; 1 Tim. 4:6–7; 6:3–5; 2 Pet. 2:1–3. ruins. The Greek word means “overturns,” or “overthrows.” It appears only one other time in the NT (2 Pet. 2:6), where it describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Because it replaces the truth with lies, false teaching brings spiritual catastrophe to those who heed it. The ruin can be eternal,” states Dr. John MacArthur.
Faithful men are to declare the truth, but never engage in emotional arguments with individuals who love to dispute the truth of God’s Word. These are people who love to argue for the sake of arguing. I have encountered them in church, the college and seminary classroom, and even in the community where I live. When they discover I am a pastor and professor, they immediately want to publicly engage in a debate about something in the Bible and put me on the defensive. This even happens at funeral viewings.
Paul states to not debate with these individuals. What we must do is contained in I Peter 3:13-15. “13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:13–15 (ESV).
The faithful man of God is to make a defense with gentleness and respect when a person asks a question. If the individual wants to engage in a contentious argument, or becomes argumentative, then walk away and refrain from becoming involved in such an intense encounter. There is a difference when someone wants to learn and legitimately seeks counsel. It is quite another when they only want to speak and argue their point of view. Such a discussion is fruitless.
A young man recently disputed with church elders concerning the doctrine of propitiation. He did not believe Jesus Christ received the wrath of God the Father, while on the cross, on behalf of sinners. Having this perspective prevents the church’s leadership from allowing him to become a member. I, and others, have patiently answered his questions. We have shared and explained the pertinent biblical passages.
However, it is apparent he does not want to listen to anything we say. He remains resolute and un-submissive to church leadership. Therefore, the elders no longer engage with him about this issue, in spite of his frequent attempts to do so. Consequently, he is not allowed to become a church member.
Being faithful people of God is not always easy. However, it is the right thing to do. God calls us to endurance.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a God honoring day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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