2 Timothy 2:14-19
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
Devotion
In this text, we once again see Paul warning Timothy about false teachers and those who would divide the church with meaningless arguments. In essence, Paul is instructing Timothy to remain faithful in teaching the essentials of the Gospel. As we saw in 1 Timothy, sound doctrine is very important. We can waste a lot of time arguing about minor points of theology while neglecting the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. The E.A.C.H. movement from ten years ago is a perfect example. 350 different churches and ministries came together under the banner of Everyone A Chance to Hear! We set aside our minor differences and affirmed the essential truths of a resurrected Savior and salvation by grace through faith.
Then Paul challenges Timothy to “present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of truth.” Paul is telling this young pastor to be a diligent student of the Word of God. This young pastor is being encouraged to be a skilled workman. He must have a firm grasp of the entire Word of God and be able to teach it skillfully to those entrusted under his shepherding care.
I believe this challenge is not only wise for those called to pastor God’s flock. I believe we all should become faithful students of God’s Word. Each one of us should strive to present ourselves as a craftsman of God’s Word. This means we should read, study and meditate on God’s Word daily. The Bible is to the spirit what food is to the body. In Romans the twelfth chapter, Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When we become a diligent student of God’s Word, it has the power to transform us. One of our core values at Oak Pointe Church is “listen.” This is all about believers being transformed by God’s Word, as we let it permeate every aspect of our being. “It’s about letting God’s voice become the loudest voice in our lives.” B. Shirock
Paul closes out this section with reminding Timothy that those who claim to know Christ will show the evidence of their faith through holy living. As we spend time in God’s Word getting to know Christ, God transforms us from the inside out. We reflect His holiness because we have spent time in His Word and in His holy presence.
Questions to Ponder
How are you living out God’s Word today? What is your personal strategy for reading, studying and meditating on God’s Word? How has God revealed Himself to you through His Word this past week? How is your alone time with God going these days?
Prayer Points
- Praise the LORD for He is the Savior of the World, Eternal God and Living Hope. Praise Him as Teacher, Friend, Constant Companion.
- Thank Abba that although He lives in unapproachable light, we have access to Him through the blood of Jesus Christ to enter into His Throne room of grace. Thank Him for His open invitation to us to come to Him. With a thankful heart let’s abide in Him by reading His word, meditating on it, wondering, listening and communing with Him.
- Pray “breath prayers”: “Oh God I want to know You more” “Help me to love Your Word, remember it, live it out and share You”
- Captivate my heart with Your love oh God, I want to be moved on the inside and transformed.
- Spirit of God I ask that You take the Word of God and change me Your Child.
Suggested Prayer
Abba,
I keep asking that You oh God of our Lord Jesus Christ, Glorious Father, may give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may know You better.
I pray also that the eyes of our heart may be opened in order that we may know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. (Eph. 1:16-19. ) Lord, cause us to be like a tree rooted and grounded in Your Word that is planted by streams of living water, cause each one of us to delight in You and Your Word daily. I pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.