Paul today is not writing to social media users in 2024, it just seems like it. He tells us to be gentle with our words, not quarrelsome, but seeking to answer all with gentleness. He says for God may lead them to repentance and a turning from their sins. Isn’t that our point y’all? Isn’t that what we want to happen, what we want to occur? Do we not want to persuade people to follow Jesus? No one ever lost an argument and converted. We can’t argue them into heaven, y’all. We can’t. But, we can love them there. Paul’s words today are as true as they have ever been.

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

If you’d like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up.

Click on the image above or this link to watch today’s video.

You can read today’s passage here.

You can podcast this reflection here. You can subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well.

Or, if you’d like to read the transcript of the video, keep reading!

Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be with you today on this wonderful Wednesday morning. Perhaps we should dub it “Wonderful Wednesday” for our ministry on Wednesdays. You’re welcome to borrow that name if it suits your purpose. Today, as it is Wednesday, we will be delving into 2nd Timothy, reading from verse 14 to the end of the chapter, which I believe is verse 26. Yes, indeed, it is verse 26. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor here at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, and I’m excited to delve into God’s Word with you today.

Let’s begin with verse 14. “Remind them of this and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourselves to God, as when approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the Word of Truth. Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hermaneus and Philaiathus, who have swerved from the truth by claiming the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some, but God’s firm foundation stands bearing this inscription, ‘The Lord knows those who are his, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.'”

In a large house, there are utensils, not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. All those who cleanse themselves of things that I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for good works. Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, love, faith, and peace among those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies. You know they breed quarrels. The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kindly to everyone and that teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, had he been held captive by him to do his will.

Paul’s words were not penned for the denizens of today’s social media but for Timothy in the first century AD. Let’s revisit verses 23-26, words that are apt for anyone engaged in social media debates: “Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies. You know that they breed quarrels, and the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kindly to everyone, and that teacher, patient, correcting opponents with ziliness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”

This brings to mind a poignant statement by Tim Keller: “My job is not just to proclaim truth, but to persuade you to follow truth.” Correcting opponents with gentleness, God may perhaps grant they will repent and come to know the truth. No one has ever been argued into heaven. We are not wired that way. You will never argue someone into heaven, but you may love them into heaven. When we treat people with gentleness and patience, we correct lovingly. We’re not quarrelsome. By adopting a different approach to conversation and debate, we pave the way for a different outcome.

It’s essential to avoid pointless and frivolous debates, as they achieve nothing. As Paul advised, steer clear of senseless controversies and wrangling over words, for they only lead to division. Our goal should be to lead people away from wickedness and towards repentance and the truth of Jesus Christ. Let’s remember that the Lord knows His people, and it’s our duty to love and point them to Jesus, rather than engaging in fruitless arguments.

As we navigate the world today, let’s heed these words of wisdom. Let’s strive to live out the good news of Jesus, spreading His saving grace, mercy, and love to all. Thank you for joining me today. Tomorrow, we’ll continue with chapter 3. Have a fantastic day ahead!