Today’s devotion comes from 2 Timothy 2:14-19.
“14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:14-19.
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“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” Verse 15. Here are three things we can use to help us accurately handle the truth.
The Use of Context
If we want to understand and teach the meaning of a few verses, then the first thing we should do is consider the whole chapter. The context of the chapter often simply and clearly explains the meaning of those verses.
But, there is also the broader context. We should also search for other Scripture (outside of the chapter) which will help us understand and teach those verses.
Oh, how we thirst for God and His words! But, it is astonishing how many Preachers and Teachers think that we would prefer to see themselves and be given their own polluted fables. Show us God and give us the pure cool water of His words!!
“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.” Psalm 63:1-5.
The Use of Confessions
Here is a brief quote from his article explaining what happens when a denomination or church dismisses or minimizes the importance of doctrine: ” … by cutting herself off from the church of past, the church today says in effect that every generation must start all over in its searching of the Scriptures and pursuit of the truth. Thus she sets herself an impossible task – a task that is either set aside as too great so that there is little knowledge of the truth in the church, or which leaves her no time for other things.”
‘This is well-stated by the Presbyterian author, G.I. Williamson:
The Bible contains a great wealth of information. It isn’t easy to master it all – in fact, no one has ever mastered it completely. It would therefore be foolish for us to try to do it on our own, starting from scratch. We would be ignoring all the study of the Word of God that other people have done down through the centuries. That is exactly why we have creeds. They are the product of many centuries of Bible study by a great company of believers. They are a kind of spiritual “road map” of the teaching of the Bible, already worked out and proved by others before us.”
The Use of Conduct
“But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,” Verse 16.
It is disturbing when we hear a Preacher or Teacher give political views in a preaching or teaching venue. Maybe, sometimes it is necessary, but it is still disturbing, and the detriments often exceed the benefits. The Preacher or Teacher may be deluded into thinking that think he is wise and that his listeners thirst for his political opinions, but it is often just worldly and empty chatter. Although “worldly and empty chatter” encompasses more than just political views, the temptation for Preachers and Teachers to engage in it now, in this time of the presidential campaign, calls for this focus.
“… Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” Verse 19.
Preachers and Teachers may think highly of themselves as if they would never engage in wickedness, but they need to be reminded: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”
1 Corinthians 10:12
More positively, “… like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;”
1 Peter 1:15
It is amazing the amount of Scriptures that emphasize the importance of conduct in accurately handling truth. Here are some more Scriptures.
Philippians 1:27
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”
Hebrews 13:7
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”
James 3:13
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.”
Conclusion
It is humbling for us to consider all of this, particularly how often our conduct falls short of what it should be. “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.”
Hebrews 13:18
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 