2 Timothy 2:14
Verse
Context
Sermons
Chuck Smith
Leonard Ravenhill
Stephen Kaung
Phil Beach Jr.
Job Scott
George Fox
J.C. PhilpotSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That they strive not about words - Words, not things, have been a most fruitful source of contention in the Christian world; and among religious people, the principal cause of animosity has arisen from the different manner of apprehending the same term, while, in essence, both meant the same thing. All preachers and divines should be very careful, both in speaking and writing, to explain the terms they use, and never employ them in any sense but that in which they have explained them. The subverting of the hearers - This is the general tendency of all polemical divinity and controversial preaching, when angry passions are called in to support the doctrines of the Gospel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
them--those over whom thou dost preside (Tit 3:1). charging--Greek, "testifying continually": "adjuring them." before the Lord-- (Ti1 5:21). that they strive not about words--rather, "strive with words": "not to have a (mere) war of words" (Ti2 2:23-24; Ti1 6:4) where the most vital matters are at stake (Ti2 2:17-18; Act 18:15). The oldest manuscripts put a stop at "charging them before the Lord" (which clause is thus connected with "put them in remembrance") and read the imperative, "Strive not thou in words," &c. to no profit--not qualifying "words"; but Greek neuter, in apposition with "strive in words," "(a thing tending) to no profit," literally, "profitable for nothing"; the opposite of "meet for the master's use" (Ti2 2:21). to the subverting--sure to subvert (overturn) the hearers: the opposite of "edifying" (building up) (Co2 13:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Of these things put them in remembrance,.... Meaning either his hearers, or those to whom he was to commit the things he had heard of the apostle, and who must expect to suffer afflictions, and endure hardships, for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; wherefore to remind them of the above sayings might be of use and comfort to them. This clause is wanting in the Arabic version. Charging them before the Lord; the omniscient God, as in his sight, as they will answer it to him another day; see Ti1 5:21, that they strive not about words; it became them to strive and contend for the form of sound words, for the wholesome words or doctrines of our Lord Jesus, but not about mere words, and especially such as were to no profit; to no advantage to truth, nor to themselves nor others; were not to edification, to spiritual edification, to godly edifying, which is in faith: but to the subverting of the hearers; the confounding of their minds, misleading their judgments, and overthrowing their faith; and therefore were not only unprofitable, but hurtful and pernicious, and by all means to be avoided.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to direct him in his work. I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. Observe, People are very prone to strive about words, and such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful, and therefore ministers are to charge the people that they do not strive about words, and they are most likely to be regarded when they charge them before the Lord, that is, in his name and from his word; when they produce their warrant for what they say. - Study to show thyself approved unto God, Ti2 2:15. Observe, The care of ministers must be to approve themselves unto God, to be accepted of him, and to show that they are so approved unto God. In order thereunto, there must be constant care and industry: Study to show thyself such a one, a workman that needs not be ashamed. Ministers must be workmen; they have work to do, and they must take pains in it. Workmen that are unskilful, or unfaithful, or lazy, have need to be ashamed; but those who mind their business, and keep to their work, are workmen that need not be ashamed. And what is their work? It is rightly to divide the word of truth. Not to invent a new gospel, but rightly to divide the gospel that is committed to their trust. To speak terror to those to whom terror belongs, comfort to whom comfort; to give every one his portion in due season, Mat 24:45. Observe here, 1. The word which ministers preach is the word of truth, for the author of it is the God of truth. 2. It requires great wisdom, study, and care, to divide this word of truth rightly; Timothy must study in order to do this well. II. He must take heed of that which would be a hindrance to him in his work, Ti2 2:16. He must take heed of error: Shun profane and vain babblings. The heretics, who boasted of their notions and their arguments, thought their performances such as might recommend them; but the apostle calls them profane and vain babblings: when once men become fond of those they will increase unto more ungodliness. The way of error is down-hill; one absurdity being granted or contended for, a thousand follow: Their word will eat as doth a canker, or gangrene; when errors or heresies come into the church, the infecting of one often proves the infecting of many, or the infecting of the same person with one error often proves the infecting of him with many errors. Upon this occasion the apostle mentions some who had lately advanced erroneous doctrines: Hymeneus and Philetus. He names these corrupt teachers, by which he sets a brand upon them, to their perpetual infamy, and warns all people against hearkening to them. They have erred concerning the truth, or concerning one of the fundamental articles of the Christian religion, which is truth. The resurrection of the dead is one of the great doctrines of Christ. Now see the subtlety of the serpent and the serpent's seed. They did not deny the resurrection (for that had been boldly and avowedly to confront the word of Christ), but they put a corrupt interpretation upon that true doctrine, saying that the resurrection was past already, that what Christ spoke concerning the resurrection was to be understood mystically and by way of allegory, that it must be meant of a spiritual resurrection only. It is true, there is a spiritual resurrection, but to infer thence that there will not be a true and real resurrection of the body at the last day is to dash one truth of Christ in pieces against another. By this they overthrew the faith of some, took them off from the belief of the resurrection of the dead; and if there be no resurrection of the dead, nor future state, no recompence of our services and sufferings in another world, we are of men the most miserable, Co1 15:19. Whatever takes away the doctrine of a future state overthrows the faith of Christians. The apostle had largely disproved this error (1 Cor. 15), and therefore does not here enter into the arguments against it. Observe, 1. The babblings Timothy was to shun were profane and vain; they were empty shadows, and led to profaneness: For they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2. Error is very productive, and on that account the more dangerous: it will eat like a gangrene. 3. When men err concerning the truth, they always endeavour to have some plausible pretence for it. Hymeneus and Philetus did not deny a resurrection, but pretended it was already past. 4. Error, especially that which affects the foundation, will overthrow the faith of some.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:14-26 Timothy must insist on the teaching of 2:8-13 and steer clear of the teaching and conduct of the false teachers. The heresy was probably the same as in 1 Tim 6:20-21.
2 Timothy 2:14
The Lord’s Approved Workman
13if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Words of Comfort
By Chuck Smith2.5K50:53ComfortISA 40:1MAT 6:33ACT 15:28ACT 15:312TI 2:14JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of putting our trust in the Lord. He highlights that God will bring forth victory and comfort through the scriptures and the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages believers to speak words of comfort and exhortation to one another, strengthening the body of Christ. He also addresses the issue of a man named Charles Templeton, who has renounced his faith in the Bible and Jesus Christ. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners that God is there to comfort and take care of His people.
The Potter's House
By Leonard Ravenhill2.2K1:02:35PotterISA 53:7MAT 6:33LUK 16:31JHN 19:302TI 1:62TI 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the marvels of technology, specifically computers, and their limitations compared to the complexity of human beings. He reflects on the thinness of books and the intricate process of their production, highlighting the craftsmanship involved. The speaker then shifts to the story of Sammy Morris, a young African boy who embarked on a journey to America and faced mistreatment along the way. Finally, the speaker imagines the Apostle Paul receiving his reward in heaven and ponders why Paul never wrote a book about his trip to heaven.
Vessels of Honor and Dishonor
By Stephen Kaung1.0K1:06:42Vessels of HonorSpiritual Purity2TI 2:14Stephen Kaung emphasizes the distinction between vessels of honor and dishonor in the church, drawing from 2 Timothy 2:14-21. He warns of the dangers of false teachings and the need for believers to purify themselves from iniquity, highlighting that the church has become a 'great house' filled with both honorable and dishonorable vessels. Kaung encourages individuals to strive for holiness and to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace in a time of spiritual decline. He reassures that despite the chaos, the Lord knows those who are His, and calls for a personal responsibility to maintain one's faith amidst the falling away of the church. Ultimately, he stresses the importance of being a vessel prepared for every good work, serving the Master faithfully.
Beware of Lawlessness - 2 Tim 2
By Phil Beach Jr.3349:58LawlessnessSpiritual Restraint2TI 2:14Phil Beach Jr. warns against the dangers of lawlessness in his sermon 'Beware of Lawlessness,' emphasizing that this spirit of rebellion is infiltrating the church and society as we approach the end times. He highlights the destructive effects of lawlessness on individuals, families, and nations, urging believers to recognize and depart from iniquity. Beach stresses the importance of grounding oneself in Christ, as the foundation of God remains sure despite the rising evil. He calls for humility and a return to God's restraints, reminding the congregation that true religion is to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek a deep relationship with Christ to overcome the temptations of lawlessness.
A Letter From a Friend in America
By Job Scott0JHN 11:42ACT 15:24ACT 25:71TI 1:192TI 2:142TI 2:16TIT 3:9In this sermon, the preacher delves into the meaning of 'periistemi', which signifies standing around or being a bystander, but figuratively means to turn oneself about to avoid something. Paul instructs Titus and other church leaders to steer clear of foolish, unprofitable speculations that can corrupt the church and hinder the credibility of the gospel. The command to 'periistemi' is a call to continually shun worldly chatter and false teachings, reflecting a deliberate and habitual avoidance of such influences. The preacher emphasizes the importance of believers, like Titus, to distance themselves from controversies, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law, focusing instead on maintaining good works and avoiding unprofitable arguments.
Epistle 122
By George Fox0Unity in ChristHumilityISA 40:31ZEC 2:13MRK 10:421CO 9:252TI 2:14JAS 1:191PE 4:11REV 3:18George Fox emphasizes the importance of purity and unity among believers, urging them to silence fleshly desires and avoid contention. He warns against striving for mastery and exercising lordship over one another, encouraging a humble mindset that focuses on God's will. Fox highlights that departing from purity leads to pride and division, while waiting on the Lord brings nourishment and glorifies God. He calls for believers to gather in humility, listen, and be cautious of contention, which can lead them away from the fear of the Lord.
Controversy
By J.C. Philpot01TI 6:32TI 2:142TI 2:23TIT 3:9JUD 1:3J.C. Philpot delves into the controversial topic, acknowledging the tendency of controversy to lead to strife and unedifying debates, yet recognizing its necessity in defending essential truths of the faith. He highlights historical examples where controversy was crucial in combating heresies like Arianism and Pelagianism, emphasizing the importance of contending for the faith. Philpot stresses the need to approach controversy with a spirit of seeking truth from the Scriptures, rather than personal attacks or harsh words, as the goal is to uphold foundational truths of the church.
No Fear of Death
By C.H. Spurgeon0DEU 30:19ACT 20:211TI 5:212TI 2:142TI 4:1HEB 4:13William Arp emphasizes the seriousness of Paul's charge to Timothy, urging him to preach the Word with a sense of accountability to God and Christ Jesus, who will judge his ministry. The use of 'diamarturomai' signifies a forceful order or directive, highlighting the extraordinary importance of the message proclaimed. Paul's solemn charge to Timothy echoes the gravity of Moses' warnings in the Old Testament, calling for a reverential awe of God and a careful handling of His Word.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That they strive not about words - Words, not things, have been a most fruitful source of contention in the Christian world; and among religious people, the principal cause of animosity has arisen from the different manner of apprehending the same term, while, in essence, both meant the same thing. All preachers and divines should be very careful, both in speaking and writing, to explain the terms they use, and never employ them in any sense but that in which they have explained them. The subverting of the hearers - This is the general tendency of all polemical divinity and controversial preaching, when angry passions are called in to support the doctrines of the Gospel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
them--those over whom thou dost preside (Tit 3:1). charging--Greek, "testifying continually": "adjuring them." before the Lord-- (Ti1 5:21). that they strive not about words--rather, "strive with words": "not to have a (mere) war of words" (Ti2 2:23-24; Ti1 6:4) where the most vital matters are at stake (Ti2 2:17-18; Act 18:15). The oldest manuscripts put a stop at "charging them before the Lord" (which clause is thus connected with "put them in remembrance") and read the imperative, "Strive not thou in words," &c. to no profit--not qualifying "words"; but Greek neuter, in apposition with "strive in words," "(a thing tending) to no profit," literally, "profitable for nothing"; the opposite of "meet for the master's use" (Ti2 2:21). to the subverting--sure to subvert (overturn) the hearers: the opposite of "edifying" (building up) (Co2 13:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Of these things put them in remembrance,.... Meaning either his hearers, or those to whom he was to commit the things he had heard of the apostle, and who must expect to suffer afflictions, and endure hardships, for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; wherefore to remind them of the above sayings might be of use and comfort to them. This clause is wanting in the Arabic version. Charging them before the Lord; the omniscient God, as in his sight, as they will answer it to him another day; see Ti1 5:21, that they strive not about words; it became them to strive and contend for the form of sound words, for the wholesome words or doctrines of our Lord Jesus, but not about mere words, and especially such as were to no profit; to no advantage to truth, nor to themselves nor others; were not to edification, to spiritual edification, to godly edifying, which is in faith: but to the subverting of the hearers; the confounding of their minds, misleading their judgments, and overthrowing their faith; and therefore were not only unprofitable, but hurtful and pernicious, and by all means to be avoided.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to direct him in his work. I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. Observe, People are very prone to strive about words, and such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful, and therefore ministers are to charge the people that they do not strive about words, and they are most likely to be regarded when they charge them before the Lord, that is, in his name and from his word; when they produce their warrant for what they say. - Study to show thyself approved unto God, Ti2 2:15. Observe, The care of ministers must be to approve themselves unto God, to be accepted of him, and to show that they are so approved unto God. In order thereunto, there must be constant care and industry: Study to show thyself such a one, a workman that needs not be ashamed. Ministers must be workmen; they have work to do, and they must take pains in it. Workmen that are unskilful, or unfaithful, or lazy, have need to be ashamed; but those who mind their business, and keep to their work, are workmen that need not be ashamed. And what is their work? It is rightly to divide the word of truth. Not to invent a new gospel, but rightly to divide the gospel that is committed to their trust. To speak terror to those to whom terror belongs, comfort to whom comfort; to give every one his portion in due season, Mat 24:45. Observe here, 1. The word which ministers preach is the word of truth, for the author of it is the God of truth. 2. It requires great wisdom, study, and care, to divide this word of truth rightly; Timothy must study in order to do this well. II. He must take heed of that which would be a hindrance to him in his work, Ti2 2:16. He must take heed of error: Shun profane and vain babblings. The heretics, who boasted of their notions and their arguments, thought their performances such as might recommend them; but the apostle calls them profane and vain babblings: when once men become fond of those they will increase unto more ungodliness. The way of error is down-hill; one absurdity being granted or contended for, a thousand follow: Their word will eat as doth a canker, or gangrene; when errors or heresies come into the church, the infecting of one often proves the infecting of many, or the infecting of the same person with one error often proves the infecting of him with many errors. Upon this occasion the apostle mentions some who had lately advanced erroneous doctrines: Hymeneus and Philetus. He names these corrupt teachers, by which he sets a brand upon them, to their perpetual infamy, and warns all people against hearkening to them. They have erred concerning the truth, or concerning one of the fundamental articles of the Christian religion, which is truth. The resurrection of the dead is one of the great doctrines of Christ. Now see the subtlety of the serpent and the serpent's seed. They did not deny the resurrection (for that had been boldly and avowedly to confront the word of Christ), but they put a corrupt interpretation upon that true doctrine, saying that the resurrection was past already, that what Christ spoke concerning the resurrection was to be understood mystically and by way of allegory, that it must be meant of a spiritual resurrection only. It is true, there is a spiritual resurrection, but to infer thence that there will not be a true and real resurrection of the body at the last day is to dash one truth of Christ in pieces against another. By this they overthrew the faith of some, took them off from the belief of the resurrection of the dead; and if there be no resurrection of the dead, nor future state, no recompence of our services and sufferings in another world, we are of men the most miserable, Co1 15:19. Whatever takes away the doctrine of a future state overthrows the faith of Christians. The apostle had largely disproved this error (1 Cor. 15), and therefore does not here enter into the arguments against it. Observe, 1. The babblings Timothy was to shun were profane and vain; they were empty shadows, and led to profaneness: For they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2. Error is very productive, and on that account the more dangerous: it will eat like a gangrene. 3. When men err concerning the truth, they always endeavour to have some plausible pretence for it. Hymeneus and Philetus did not deny a resurrection, but pretended it was already past. 4. Error, especially that which affects the foundation, will overthrow the faith of some.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:14-26 Timothy must insist on the teaching of 2:8-13 and steer clear of the teaching and conduct of the false teachers. The heresy was probably the same as in 1 Tim 6:20-21.