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- Oct 26, 2007
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But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 2 Timothy 2:23-24 NKJV
Ever meet that know-it-all, the guy who’s ready to argue and debate over anything, including topics that aren’t all that important? Apparently, the church Timothy pastured had more than one of those guys, for Paul tells him to avoid “avoid foolish and stupid arguments,” simply because they cause divisions and quarrels in the church.
That wasn’t a good thing in Timothy’s church in Ephesus, and it’s not a good thing now. In fact, there are many examples of divisions in churches over matters that don’t even qualify as “trivial.” (One silly example: a congregation reportedly argued over whether their after-service lunch should be called a “pot blessing” instead of a “potluck.”)
Nowhere in the Bible does God tell His people to avoid all controversies at all times. Several scripture passages instruct readers to contend for the faith and stand against bad teaching. Then again, God calls you to use wisdom as you determine whether a fight is worth fighting.
Prayer: Father, I enjoy a good debate as much as the next guy, and I know You want men of God to stand for Your true Gospel. Give me wisdom to know when to speak up—and when to keep my trap closed.
Ever meet that know-it-all, the guy who’s ready to argue and debate over anything, including topics that aren’t all that important? Apparently, the church Timothy pastured had more than one of those guys, for Paul tells him to avoid “avoid foolish and stupid arguments,” simply because they cause divisions and quarrels in the church.
That wasn’t a good thing in Timothy’s church in Ephesus, and it’s not a good thing now. In fact, there are many examples of divisions in churches over matters that don’t even qualify as “trivial.” (One silly example: a congregation reportedly argued over whether their after-service lunch should be called a “pot blessing” instead of a “potluck.”)
Nowhere in the Bible does God tell His people to avoid all controversies at all times. Several scripture passages instruct readers to contend for the faith and stand against bad teaching. Then again, God calls you to use wisdom as you determine whether a fight is worth fighting.
Prayer: Father, I enjoy a good debate as much as the next guy, and I know You want men of God to stand for Your true Gospel. Give me wisdom to know when to speak up—and when to keep my trap closed.
