Repetitive urges…
Twice in the second chapter Paul urges Timothy, “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.” (2 Timothy 2:14). And again, “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” (2 Timothy 2:23). Multiple other times in 1 & 2 Timothy Paul urges Timothy to avoid idle babbling and disputes.
What does Paul say is a faithful saying? “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:8-13
The focus is always Jesus. The Gospel is the focus. There is no grey when it comes to Jesus being born of a virgin, the Son of God incarnate, Trinitarian God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit), lived a sinless life, gave up His life willingly as a sacrifice for our sins, and buried and 3 days later resurrected and now sits on the throne in glory. Let’s rightly divide that truth, hold to it, and avoid any chatter that distracts from the truth of the Gospel.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.