God’s Firm

Foundation Stands

Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.”

2 Timothy 2:14-19

Be careful of how you are perceived. You will be judged by humans about whether you walk the walk or just talk the talk. Timothy was a young pastor, and Paul told him to be diligent in presenting himself to God. Paul told him not to be ashamed because he knew the truth of the scriptures.

Precision with words is essential to an accurate interpretation of God’s Word. Let us be people who care deeply about what the Bible says, and what it means.

Rightly dividing the word multiplies our understanding.

Our Daily Bread – September 21, 2008