HOW TO STOP A GANGRENE INFECTION
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
One of the pastors in my church, Mike McGirk, left a comment on my most recent post. In it he refers to 2 Timothy 2:24 and 25. It turns out that Paul gave Timothy an answer to the problem I have been railing against lately. In fact, this passage is so apropos to my current thinking that I wanted to post these verses and a few around it. (This comes from my favorite translation, the NetBible found at www.bible.org.)
2:14 Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. 2:15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. 2:16 But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, 2:17 and their message will spread its infection like gangrene.
2:22 But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. 2:24 And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, 2:25 correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth 2:26 and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.