2 Timothy 2 reminds me of how quickly message boards and social media comments devolve into insults. Perhaps it is related to the anonymity, or the inability to see the impact of hurtful words. Aggressive keyboard warriors delight in personal attacks and derailing discussion. Today’s lesson is about being a moderator. Paul directs Timothy to “be strong in the grace”. That means, cut others some slack. I am often reminded that everyone is privately dealing with some kind of burden. He instructs Timothy to invest his life into “reliable people who will also be qualified to teach”. Paul lists three examples to ponder. There seems to be a balance when we look at them together. First, no “soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs”. Our home is in heaven. A soldier must “please his commanding officer”. As believers, we represent Christ in our attitude, actions, and reactions. He adds, “an athlete” wins the “victor’s crown… by competing according to the rules”. A win-at-all-cost philosophy can undermine integrity. This is a team sport. Each member must do their part to succeed. Finally, “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops”. This is a reminder that the caregiver should periodically pause to receive. Additionally, church members should avoid hypocrisy by first consuming their own product. “Reflect on what I am saying”. All three require a level of self-sacrifice for a bigger goal. Are you reliably representing the gospel?
Next Paul offers a summary of his entire life’s message. “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David”. He added new insight to a full understanding of scripture. Paul was a scholar with vast knowledge of the Hebrew Torah. He understood how each festival, feast, and prophesy about Messiah was fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection. He knew the genealogy linking Jesus to David. He was repeatedly attacked, persecuted, and falsely imprisoned by those that would not listen. “I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal”. Yet Paul did not lose hope; “God’s word is not chained”! Paul knew his role was to point others to Christ. “I endure everything” so that the elect “may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus”. Some will sarcastically challenge, “who are the elect?” The answer is, anyone that puts their faith in the Lamb of God for forgiveness of sin. One thing does not change: “if we are faithless, He remains faithful”. In whom do you trust?
Trolls endlessly attempt to derail reasoned discussion. Paul instructed Timothy to warn against “quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen”. Petty arguments reinforce division and distract from revelation. He adds, “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become… more ungodly”. Some people just like to argue, twisting every topic to fit their agenda. Hijackers quickly turn to personal attacks “and they destroy the faith of some”. I cannot accurately judge your motive. Thankfully, “The Lord knows those who are His”. The chapter closes with instruction that applies perfectly to today’s social media interaction. We should “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace”. Paul says, avoid “stupid arguments”. Rather, the Lord’s servant… must be kind to everyone, able to teach”. Open dialog leads to the exchange of ideas. Good teaching starts with respect. “Opponents must be gently instructed”. Condescending comments block discussion. Humility does not react to every attack. Paul says, “God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth”. Lives are renewed by His Spirit, and by His Word. We have to be careful not to fall for the clickbait. Many are deceived. We trust that God’s patience endures until “they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil”. My friend, never forget, “a gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).