Wednesday, January 8, 2020

praying effectively: Don’t Wrangle About Words (2Tim. 2:14-19)


(2 Timothy 2:14-19)  Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we avoid worldly and empty chatter, and avoid telling lies such as the rapture has already happened (2:16-18)
- that we do not wrangle about words which God has said in the Bible (2:14)
- that we diligently study and learn God's words, with the motive of pleasing God (2:15)
- that we diligently study and learn God's words, with the motive of boldly and confidently telling and teaching others God's truth (2:15)
- that we know God's words well, so we can accurately explain them (2:15)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Your word of truth.  Thank You for speaking clearly to us.  Help us not be tempted to change or drop little words here and there, or gloss over verses in order to try to make it say what we want.  Guide us with Your Holy Spirit to understand Your doctrines and Your will.  Prompt us with the right words to help us accurately explain the Bible to others.  All to Your glory, amen.

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