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

The Apostle Paul, at the end of his life, imprisoned in Rome and knowing that he would soon be executed, wrote some final instructions to his spiritual son, Timothy.

First, he gives a simple statement of what’s most important: the unfailing faithfulness of God, and the call for us to be faithful to His Word. Then he says, “Remind them of these things.”

He follows that with the caution: “Don’t quarrel about words. It does no good; it only ruins the hearers.”

Theologians love to argue. We can go on for hours about the minutest details, just to prove we’re right and the other guy is wrong. But who benefits from all the hot air? The Lord’s own Apostle warns us here to avoid such arguments because they ruin the faith - not of the debaters, but of the people who hear them argue.

Our time is much better spent talking about what’s important: the faithfulness of God and His call to us to trust Him and obey His Word; so that we enjoy His forgiveness and live holy lives.

Lord, forgive the hot air I’ve spouted over the years. Help me to remember the things that You consider important. Keep my focus on those really important things as I talk with people today. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles