A Workman Approved By God.

A WORKMAN APPROVED BY GOD.

2 Timothy 2:14-19.

Earlier in the chapter, Timothy was encouraged, first, to ‘endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (cf. 2 Timothy 2:3). Second, to ‘strive lawfully’ as a good athlete (cf. 2 Timothy 2:5). And thirdly, to spend himself in labour, like the hardworking farmer (cf. 2 Timothy 2:6).

2 TIMOTHY 2:14. “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.”

Paul asks Timothy to add his testimony to the teachings of the Epistle so far, reminding his hearers of the need to avoid such wrangling about words as is unprofitable and subversive, which only causes “catastrophe” - as the Greek word is - in the lives of those who overhear such unedifying disputations.

2 TIMOTHY 2:15. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This is a fourth metaphor.

In contrast to the ‘catastrophe’ of those who ‘strive about words without profit’ (cf. 2 Timothy 2:14), Timothy is to be diligent in his service of God. The Christian workman “studies to show himself approved unto God,” and “need not be ashamed” when he “cuts a straight furrow” with “the word of truth.” This is the correct handling of the ‘good deposit’ (cf. 2 Timothy 1:14), the apostolic faith, the Bible.

2 TIMOTHY 2:16. “But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” HERESY DISHONOURS GOD.

We can recognise false teaching because it leads people further and further away from God.

2 TIMOTHY 2:17. “And their word will eat as doth a canker; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus.” HERESY IS DAMAGING TO MEN.

Their words, the words of the false teachers, not only ruin the hearers thereof (cf. 2 Timothy 2:14), but are also like a spreading sore.

2 TIMOTHY 2:18. “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” HERESY LEADS PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE FAITH.

They “erred” means they ‘missed the mark,’ teaching a lie as if it were true. Christ is risen, and we are risen in Him: but we still await ‘the resurrection of the body.’ Others may “miss the mark,” but we must remain true to the Scripture (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

2 TIMOTHY 2:19. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, ‘The Lord knoweth them that are His’ (cf. Numbers 16:5). And ‘Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity’ (cf. Numbers 16:26).”

The faith of men might be overthrown (cf. 2 Timothy 2:18), but the foundation of God stands firm. The twofold seal of God’s church is: On God’s side, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and will consequently look after us forever; And on our side, as proof that we are truly His, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”