stop fighting over words

2Tim2:14 (NLT)
Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God's presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

Again, Paul reminds Timothy that he is to "remind everyone about these things". "these things" either being the doctrine found within the preceding Hymn which was digested in my last blog entry, or of the entirety of this letter. In any case, Timothy is reminded to hold to and teach right doctrine.

Then Paul goes on to make a bold statement, we know it is bold because he prefaces it with "and command them in God's presence to". Paul wants to make sure that this is not just an idea, or a recommendation, but a commandment in God's presence. The commandment: stop fighting over words. It is uncertain exactly what Paul is addressing here. We know that Paul was firm on doctrine and on theology and is the first to call out false teachers or those who have drifted from right doctrine and theology. In any case there was fighting that was going on between members of the body. Perhaps about methodology, philosophy, approach etc. Paul made clear that these quarrels had to stop.

Why? because "Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them". This is a challenge to the present day minister and pastor. Not only are we reminded of the futility of arguing between one another on trivial matters, but we are reminded that they "can ruin those who hear them". "those who hear them" is not referring to those engaged in the argument, but instead would be the people who are outside of the argument looking in. In the present day church, they would probably be seen as the congregation, or even those outside of our church body.

When I was young, and outside of the church, I remember being extremely confused by the fact that there were several "Christian" churches in Taber who said they all believed the same things (doctrine), yet did not get along with one another, or work together to further the kingdom. I remember being young and thinking there was something wrong with this picture. I think to some degree this is similar to what Paul was presenting. I could say this "ruined" me, it definitely tainted my view of Christianity. Why could all of these people not gather themselves in such a matter that they could maximize their kingdom increasing abilities? It makes me truly wonder if Christ ever intended his Bride to be dressed in so many denominational dresses.