Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 29

Paul tells Timothy to Study and Know the Word of God Part 7

2 Timothy 2:23-24 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, KJV

Despite the effort Brother Timothy would make to follow after those things Paul just listed in the previous verse, he would still face (in the Church) those people who wanted to question everything that God has written and said is His Will, but Paul had delt with this himself and now warns Timothy against engaging these people and their stupid questioning with these words, "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes." (2 Timothy 2:23) (KJV). The English word 'foolish' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word mōros which means dull or stupid (as if shut up), that is, heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd: The English word 'unlearned' is translated by the Greek word apaideutos meaning (used here this one and only time in the New Testament) uninstructed, that is, (figuratively) stupid: - unlearned. The English word 'question' is translated by the Greek word zētēsis meaning a searching (properly the act), that is, a dispute or its theme: - question. The English word 'avoid' is translated by the Greek word paraiteomai meaning to beg off, that is, deprecate (express strong disapproval of; deplore), decline, shun: - avoid, (make) excuse, intreat, refuse, reject.

In other words, to dispute the Word of God by raising questions or searching into things that come from an uninformed, uninstructed, and unlearned person are fruitless and a waste of valuable time that hold down and hold back the spreading of the truth of the Word of God and should be shunned or avoided or refused or rejected always so that the true Word of God can do only what it can do as the Apostle James says with these words, "Therefore putting aside all filthiness and overflowing of evil, receive in meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) (Modern King James Version). The Apostle is very aware and knows that these types of foolish questioning of the Word of God only causes one thing and that is discord among brethren or as he puts it here 'strifes' and this English word is translated by the Greek word machē meaning a battle, that is, (figuratively) controversy: - fighting, strive, striving. We see that the Apostle's concern written here to Brother Timothy some two thousand years (2,000) ago has certainly come to fruition over the course of those years. The disputing of the Word of God has split and splintered many a Church Denominations and caused momumental battles in their midst. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about this verse, "Those who advanced them, and doted upon them, thought themselves wise and learned; but Paul calls them foolish and unlearned. The mischief of these is that they gender strifes, that they breed debates and quarrels among Christians and ministers. It is very remarkable how often, and with what seriousness, the Apostle cautions Timothy against disputes in religion, which surely was not without some such design as this, to show that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires than in subtle disputes."

Paul declares to Timothy that he must avoid arguing with people over the truth of the Word of God, for God's Word did not need him to defend it because the Word of God is alive and is truth and just like a male lion needs no other to fight for him, so is the Word of God as Paul wrote to the Hebrew believers with these words, "What God has said isn't only alive and active! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts. Nothing is hidden from God! He sees through everything, and we will have to tell Him the truth." (Hebrews 4:12-13) (Contemporary English Version). Therefore, Paul tells Timothy that he must be and do as follows, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient," (2 Timothy 2:24) (KJV). It is not the will of God for His sons and daughters to be standing outside of abortion clinics with signs telling pregnant girls and women that they are going to hell if they kill their babies. It is also not His will for His sons and daughters to stand outside of gay clubs or bars and hold up signs saying God hates them, but instead it is God the Father's will for us His sons and daughters to just simply, surely, and soundly declare the truth of His Word to all people and allow God the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin and then do His work of regeneration and rebirth, for this is the will of God for us His sons and daughters to only get out the Word of God period.

It must be our desire to be diligent, decisive, and determined to do only this one thing, nothing more, nothing less. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "He may calmly inquire after truth; he may discuss points of morals, or theology, if he will do it with a proper spirit; he may 'contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints' Jude 1:3; but he may not do that which is here mentioned as strife. The meaning is, that the servant of Christ should be a man of peace. He should not indulge in the feelings which commonly give rise to contention, and which commonly characterize it. He should not struggle for mere victory, even when endeavoring to maintain truth; but should do this, in all cases, with a kind spirit, and a mild temper; with entire candor; with nothing designed to provoke and irritate an adversary; and so that, whatever may be the result of the discussion, 'the bond of peace' may, if possible, be preserved."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…