TEXT: II Timothy 2:14-26

SUBJECT: Exposition of II Timothy #7: Shun Error

The theme of II Timothy is "How to be a faithful minister of Jesus Christ". Paul had set the example: "Those things which you have heard and seen in me...do". But his time was running out quickly. Timothy needed a reminder of the sort of man Paul had been; the sort of man he must become. The Apostle's last writing is just that. He tells Timothy what he must be and what he must do.

What must he be? He must be zealous, bold, and firm in his doctrine. "Stir up the gift of God which is in you..."Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord..."Hold fast the pattern of sound words..."

What must he do? He must grow, equip others, and suffer without complaint. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus..."The things that you have heard from me, commit to faithful men...Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ..."

In the verses before you, a fourth duty is added. If Timothy will be pleasing to God in the ministry, he must shun error.

Timothy must urge others to avoid error, v.14. "Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers". Who is the "them" he must charge? The nearest antecedent is v.2, i.e., "faithful men who will be able to teach others". In his seminary, Timothy must include the course "Avoiding Error 501". His preachers mustn't become engrossed with error, preoccupied by what the heretics are saying at the moment. What sort of error does Paul have in mind? The kind that produces "strife"; that is of "no profit"; and that "ruins" those entangled in it. In v.18, he gives an example. Some were teaching "the resurrection is past". But this is only an example. Elsewhere, he describes them as "vain babblings", "endless genealogies", "word-battles" and the doctrines that get "silly women" worked into a lather.

How will he keep the "faithful men" away from these errors? In two ways: (1) By "reminding them of these things". What things? The Gospel. As one meditates on the Gospel, these foolish or trifling issues are seen for what they are. (2) By charging them to not strive about words to no profit". In short, take no interest in the latest fad; don't waste time on silly issues; "Do not answer a fool according to his folly" is how the wisest of men put it.

Sorry for the tangents. Back to the text. Timothy must urge others to avoid error. But he mustn't stop there. He must go on and avoid error himself, vv.15-21. To do this, he must:

Be devoted to the Word of God and its proper interpretation, v.15. "Study" brings to mind a man, sitting behind a desk, poring over his books. But that's not the word used here. It means "work hard"--and evokes a manual laborer. He's "cutting a straight line". Maybe Paul is thinking of his tent-making. If his work is going to sell, he had better cut the material straight. Frayed edges, crooked lines, and so on, are unacceptable work. The same is true of preachers. Their work must be of the highest quality. Why? Because they're not working with cloth or hides (as the tentmaker does), but with the Word of God. Only by hard work will Timothy avoid the heresies and follies of the day.

He must do more than study the Bible. He must also shun profane and vain babblings..." The word means "walk around them". Why? Error does nothing but produce ungodliness and eat away at souls like a cancer. Two examples are given. "Hymanaeus and Philetus are of this sort". What have they done?

They have taught, "The resurrection is past". How they came to this bizarre conclusion, we can't say. But it is interesting to note the subject which so often becomes a "vain babbling"--the doctrine of last things. Insofar as these "last things" are revealed in the Bible, we are responsible to understand them. But we mustn't "go beyond what is written"--and we surely we mustn't become preoccupied with them. When we do, we begin to "strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers".

The doctrine then--as now--was deadly in its effect, v.18b: "They overthrow the faith of some". But others they cannot upset. V.19 tells us why: "Nevertheless, the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: `The Lord knows those who are His' and `Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity'".

The Lord's true people (as opposed to hypocrites) are "sealed" (or kept) by His secret will, "The Lord knows those who are His". Regarding them with favor, He prevents them from succumbing to fatal error. They are also kept by His revealed will, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity". He works within them both a knowledge of His will and the ability to obey it. Thus, they are active in avoiding error, but it is not their activity that keeps them, but God's good purpose in Jesus Christ.

The idea is illustrated in vv.20-21. How do you account for some in the church giving way to error while others remain true? It is no harder to explain than your kitchen cupboards. "Some vessels unto honor, others to dishonor". You have fine china; you have paper plates. Both serve a purpose. The former is used to entertain guests. The latter are used for a barbecue. The true believer serves an obvious purpose. But why does God allow hypocrites among His people? To serve as a warning to others; to "make manifest those who are approved" says Paul in I Corinthians 11:19.

The application is then added. It is not "discover which sort of vessel you are", but "cleanse yourself...that you may be useful for the master, prepared for every good work". In other words, if you want to remain true and useful to Christ, avoid error and immerse yourself in the truth.

Timothy, therefore, must practice what he preaches. He must "charge them to not strive about words to no profit...(and) he must "shun profane and vain babblings (himself)".

This avoiding error, of course, is a mental exercise. But it's more than that. If Timothy would "shun vain babblings", he must also flee the personal sin that so often produces it. A man cannot indulge fleshly lusts and remain doctrinally sound. The former will poison the latter. If we would "know the truth" we must live holy lives. V.22: "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart".

Let me sum this up in a sentence: It is only as we grow in grace that we will be able to grow in knowledge. As a reference, see John 7:17, John 5:44.

One final thought on the subject. Error cannot always be shunned. Sometimes, we have to address it. When this occurs, we must deal with it in the way specified in vv.23-26.

If possible, avoid it, v.23.

If not, address the men in error without rancor or contempt. Speak to them gently, patiently, humbly, and with hope for their repentance.

The Man of God, therefore, must recognize error, avoid it when possible, and correct it when needful. May God give us all the wisdom to do so, for Christ's sake. Amen.