August 8
Petty Controversy
2 Timothy 2:14

  1. Remind [the people] of these facts, and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers. (Amplified Bible).

The ‘facts’ that he is referring to is found in the preceding verses.  Verses 11-13 say that:

  • If we be dead with Him we’ll live with Him.
  • If we endure, we’ll reign with Him.
  • If we deny Him, He’ll deny us.
  • If we don’t believe and are unfaithful to Him, He remains faithful to His Word for He can’t deny Himself.

Paul says these are facts to remind people of.  And also to charge them before the Lord not to get wrapped up in ‘petty controversy over words’ which undermines the faith of the hearers.

If we get involved in debating over the particulars of things we may get distracted from the facts and true intent of the Word of God and the message of Jesus Christ.  And by that we can end up doing damage to people’s faith rather than building their faith up.

 

Confession:

I won’t get involved in petty controversy over words.  I will look to build up my faith and the faith of those around me rather than to undermine it.  As a preacher or teacher of the Word I will instruct others to do the same.

 

 

Obedience is a tree of life!