Approved by God

Core Values - Part 2 • 2 Timothy 2:14-19 • November 7, 2021 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Timothy must continue to pass on what he learned by teaching faithful men who will teach other faithful men (2:2). Paul instructed Timothy to remain committed to the mission. He illustrated his message using the imagery of a soldier, athlete, and farmer (2:3-7). Paul also used himself as an example of dedication despite suffering, including imprisonment (2:8-10). Paul then wrote some poetic words reflecting the blessings of the Messiah (2:11-13). Ultimately, it is God’s grace that would give Timothy the understanding.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
 Senior Pastor

 
 
 

2 Timothy 2:14-19 ESV

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

Notes

Timothy must continue to pass on what he learned by teaching faithful men who will teach other faithful men (2:2). Paul instructed Timothy to remain committed to the mission. He illustrated his message using the imagery of a soldier, athlete, and farmer (2:3-7). Paul also used himself as an example of dedication despite suffering, including imprisonment (2:8-10). Paul then wrote some poetic words reflecting the blessings of the Messiah (2:11-13). Ultimately, it is God’s grace that would give Timothy the understanding.

  1. Paul instructed Timothy to remind them of sound doctrine and to stop unhealthy discussions that lead to sin. Moreover, Paul mentioned Hymenaeus and Philetus, people to avoid who swerved to false teaching (2:14, 16-18).

  2. Paul instructed Timothy to do his best to gain God’s approval as a worker. Other translations give the thought that Timothy should study to be approved of God. The result is removing the shame because he can rightly handle the word of truth (2:15).

  3. Although Paul instructed Timothy to set right the false teaching affecting the church, he also assured Him of God’s sovereignty. Despite some people falling away, God knows those who are His; they depart from iniquity (2:19).

Application

  1. Remember sound doctrine and avoid unhealthy discussions that lead to sin, especially false teaching. Stop bragging about your knowledge by engaging in unfruitful discussion.

  2. Let us study to be approved by God as a worker or as a minister. It is shameful for a worker or pastor not to handle the word of God correctly. To handle it properly means to handle it accurately.

  3. Let us do what we can to address false teaching; however, let us believe in God’s assurance that He is in control. He knows those who belong to Him. One seal of His people is, they depart from iniquity.

Discussion / Reflection

  1. What was the warning?

  2. Why study God’s word?

  3. What is the connection between studying God’s word and the Lord’s seal?