Separate Yourself from False Teachers
May 18, 2019
Commentary
Paul describes the professing church as a “great house” in which there are basically two types of vessels (v. 20): those of honor (gold and silver) and those of dishonor (wood and clay). He is not distinguishing between different kinds of Christians but is pointing out the difference between teachers of the Word who have a clean mind and a pure heart and those who are tainted with the things of this world (v. 21). The later are utensils of dishonor, no matter how popular they may be.
Honorable vessels are not to become contaminated by the dishonorable ones. Paul is telling Timothy to separate himself from false teachers. A useful vessel does not get involved in the popular things of the world that would defile him (vv. 22-24). False teaching will always be divisive. The Lord’s servant should not be a fighter but a promoter of unity and forbearing in the face of differences. Thus when brethren fall into false teaching they must be treated with gentleness and Christian love in the hope that they will come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil (vv. 25-26). We need to be willing to listen to people’s questions and treat them respectively while avoiding foolish debates (v. 23). If you do this, those who oppose you will be more willing to hear what you have to say and perhaps turn from their error.
Application
What are the things that I do that will destroy my relationship with the Lord and my testimony with others? What do I need to change in order to have a pure heart and mind?
2 Timothy 2:20– 26 (NET)
20 Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. 21 So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 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. 23 But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. 24 And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, 25 correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth 26 and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.