2 Timothy 2:14-26

2 Timothy 2:14-26

A line in the epic poem Beowulf makes this great observation: “Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what is said and what is done.” That is profound advice for every age and is in many ways what Paul is commanding of Timothy. There are those in the church that will discuss endlessly any and every point of doctrine or opinion. They will study and study, go to class after class, and discuss dogma without end in Sunday School and midweek service. But strangely, they never get around to doing anything beyond the most mundane functions of faith. This endless and useless chatter grows in the congregation like cancer/gangrene. The word “empty chatter” literally means “empty sound.” You might as well talk gibberish as carry on in their conversations. Given enough time, this will result in false teaching and doctrine creeping in. It will lead to divisions, quarrels, and conflicts. It will undermine the faith of some and will wreck whole churches. In the great house of God, the visible church, there are some people who are golden or silver and some who are wood and clay. On judgment day, what they are will become obvious. Sometimes it will manifest itself before the judgment. Those who are clay and wood will not yet be beyond hope. They can repent and learn from their dishonor, chatter, and false teaching. They can become vessels of honor.

We have an overabundance of chatter in the church. We have more teachers than workers. We have more people willing to share their opinions than to serve. There are more who desire to argue and fight for a place of control than are willing to get into the hard work of service. In this environment the church is choking to death. Often in a local congregation, the conflict will be resolved with those who are giving over to this godless chatter winning the battle and assuming control of the congregation. After which that congregation frequently dies. Such people have become captive to the devil and are doing his will. When offered an escape, they would rather hold on to their chatter and power even if it means doom. 

“Lord, make me a vessel of honor in Your house. AMEN”