Separate Yourself from False Teachers

II Timothy 2:20–26
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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?