"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."
2 Timothy 2:14-17a
I have been teaching the word of God for over forty years now in some form or fashion. While becoming His disciple I could not help but share the truths I was learning in His Word. I love sharing truth with anyone who will listen. These verses always help me realize I need to share God’s Word, and not my own. If I want to speak truth to others I must not wrangle about words and ideas that are useless and do not help the hearer to know the truth and authority of God’s Word. Therefore, I need to carefully heed to be diligent to present myself approved to God, not man, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. I often pray for God’s help in handling His Word accurately as scripture says.
We are to avoid empty chatter, knowing it leads to further ungodliness, and the talk often spreads like gangrene, and is just as harmful causing confusion and doubt, weakening others faith. We are to build one another up in the faith. Yet, with social media and all the talking heads, what I hear more from professing Christians is what others are saying rather than what God is saying and has said. Think how differently the church and our society would be if we simply quoted the Word of God to one another, rather than the latest news on social media. But reality is that our priority seems to be get informed by the world more than by the reading of God’s Word. If we aren’t filling our minds and hearts with God’s Word more than others, there is no power or authority to make a lasting difference.
We need to stop long enough to evaluate if we are obeying these verses out of Timothy. Break them down and read them verse by verse sifting your life through them. This is how we are able to present ourselves to God unashamed and accurately handling His Word.
Let’s look at the final verses in 2 Timothy, chapter 2:24-26:
"The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to so his will."
These verses are great motivation for us to get into God’s Word, so we may teach those who are in opposition, hopefully bringing about repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. Then there is hope they might come to their senses, and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive to do his will.
The devil is a liar and a deceiver. Most people I know who have no knowledge of the truth think they are saved, because they don’t have enough knowledge of the truth to counter the lies. Therefore they are held captive doing the will of the devil unknowingly spreading worldly and empty chatter leading people into their own snare of lies and deception.
May we all work more diligently to present ourselves approved to God being a workman for Him, unashamed, confidently speaking truth with the authority that comes from His Word. It has the power to change lives. I am one of those lives, and I know there is hope for anyone willing to seek the truth. The Holy Spirit has been faithful to be my Teacher all these years leading me into all truth, and giving me wisdom and understanding as was promised by Jesus. (John 16:13)
It is yours for the asking. All of us who have been held captive can be set free from the snare the enemy has laid for us. It is never too late.
In His love.
Teresa Roberts
Masterpiece Fitness
276-237-6680
Clients, Julie Kinney and Marilyn Hanks participated with me in a first time race, Apple Dumpling 5k in Stuart, Virginia yesterday morning. I must confess my total motivation for participating in this race was to indulge in apple dumplings afterward, being one of my favorite desserts! However this was a great race and a friendly, downhome festival followed! We all three had a great run winning two first places and one second in our age groups! An extremely blessed morning!
