Sermon Notes

February 12, 2023

The Response

2 Timothy 2:23-26

Heresies, Pharisees, and Everything in Between Part 2 - The Response 2 Timothy 2:23-26

Last week we started a short series that looked at heresies (or false teachings). We started by looking at the heresies surrounding and in the church at Galatia. We examined the anatomy of those heresies in order to help us identify any false teachings that we might encounter in our own communities. We saw that heresies would usually sound really good to us. They would even make sense to us and appeal to most people. We also saw that false teachings would have some truths in them. It was the slight twisting of the true Gospel that is the problem because it corrupts the truth of the Gospel and makes it worthless. We saw that anything added to the Gospel is a heresy. Whether it was by claiming “special revelation” that changes the Gospel or by inserting works and legalism into the Gospel, it was a heresy and made the Gospel false. We also saw that God takes heresies very seriously.

At the end of last week's service, we were challenged to use what we have learned to identify heretical teachings around us. To identify the teachings that might sound Christian but when we get them to define their terms, or when we ask, “What do you mean by that?”, the answers wouldn’t line up with the Bible.

Hopefully, you took this to heart and started to test all the teachings you have seen or been exposed to. When you found teachings that fell short of the Biblical standard you started to pray for those who propagated those teachings and for those who have fallen prey to those teachings. What do we do now? How does the Bible tell us to respond once we have identified a teaching contrary to the Bible? Do we respond at all? Do we just ignore it? Do we just say “We’ll just agree to disagree?”. No, when we are dealing with the truth of the Gospel, we can never say "Oh well" and walk away. When we talk about the truth of the Gospel, we are talking about people’s eternal destinations and the Bible tells us we have to respond when a false gospel is being proclaimed. Paul tells us in Galatians 2:14 that he had to confront Peter when he saw Peter was not following the truth of the Gospel message. In Acts 18:26, Priscilla and Aquila heard that Apollos was preaching in error because he only knew of John’s baptism and went and corrected him. In Titus 3:10 we are told that if there is someone who is causing issues and teaching falsely, correct them and give them two chances. Then have nothing else to do with them (part of church discipline). These are examples inside the church. What do we do when we run into those who pervert the Gospel outside the church? In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, we are told to use God’s weapon, the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (The Bible), to knock down anything that keeps someone from knowing the truth of the Gospel. In Titus 1:9, Paul is instructing Titus that an Elder must be able to show those who oppose wholesome teachings where they are wrong (there is no qualifier here to say it’s just in the church). The Bible is very clear that we are all called to confront heresies whether they are taught inside or outside of the Church. The method of how we are supposed to do this is another story altogether. This morning I want to look at Paul's last letter of 2nd Timothy and examine his instructions for how we are to approach those who are teaching a false gospel.

Be Focused - 2 Timothy 2:23

²³Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

Paul had stated earlier in this chapter that we are to avoid these foolish talks that only lead to more godless behavior. What exactly is he talking about here? He's talking about anything that detracts us from showing the truth of the Gospel to someone else. Let me give you a real-world example: I was sharing the Gospel with someone and they continued to say, “Did Adam have a belly button?” They were adamant that they couldn’t believe in the Gospel unless someone answered that for them. Now, it would have been easy to get sidetracked and try to answer that question for him, but does that question have any impact on the Gospel message? No, it’s just a distraction. If we would have had a discussion of the theories of Adam's belly button, would it have done any good to anyone involved? No, I would have been frustrated and he would have never heard the truth of the Gospel. When we approach someone with the Gospel, especially when it comes to confronting false teachings, we must make sure we do not get sidetracked but stay focused on the Gospel itself. I’ve seen questions about creation, eschatology, questions about secondary or tertiary ecumenical matters come up in these conversations, and all of these matters could seem important. However, when compared to the Gospel, their importance pales in comparison. That’s why we focus on the foundation of all those things which is Jesus Christ. Proclaim the Jesus of the Bible and don't be distracted.

Be Kind - 2 Timothy 2:24

²⁴ A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

When we are sharing the truth of scripture and correcting someone who is in error, there is a tendency for all of us (well at least me) to want to win. When we want to win, we are treating all of these encounters as arguments to be won. In order to win these arguments, we will resort to raising our voices by using language that is unneeded and harsh. We might attack them personally, or we might even be tempted to talk over, interrupt, or forget to listen. There are many things we can find ourselves doing when we try to win an argument. When we share the truth of God’s word, we are not trying to win an argument, we are trying to win a person.

When we change our perspective about these encounters our methods of approaching these encounters change as well. Our loud words turn into meek words. They still have power but we bring them under control. We no longer explain something to be right, but we explain with kindness and gentleness to make sure others understand. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to be ready to give an answer with gentleness and respect to those who ask about the hope that is within us. That’s the same sentiment here when we are not confrontational, but kind.We approach someone not wanting to be proven right, but rather to see that person come from death into life when we are being obedient to God’s word.

Be Patient - 2 Timothy 2:24

²⁴ A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

This won’t come as a shock, but people can sometimes be difficult, especially when they become entrenched in their beliefs. There are a few things we must remember when it comes to being patient.

It’s not you, It’s God’s Word -

One of the biggest hindrances to sharing the Gospel is worrying we might not have the right words or we won’t be able to convince them. We shouldn’t worry about that at all. Hebrews 4:12 tells us “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” It’s God’s Word that does all the work. We just have to use it. Anytime we share we need to understand it’s God’s Word doing the work and has nothing to do with our skill or talent. God’s Word is powerful - we just need to wield it.

It’s not your timing, It’s His -

We live in a society that is not patient for anything. We want it all and we want it now. God is patient. 2 Peter 3:8-9 tells us that He is patient because He wants everyone to repent and come to Him. We must adopt that same attitude. We must understand that not everyone will see their errors right away, but we must be patient. There is a study that said the average Christian had to be confronted with the truth of the Gospel 15 times before they responded. Yes, that means that sometimes people will respond the first time. However, it also means for others it takes way over 15 times and that leads me to my last point about patience.

Don’t give up -

Patience and persistence go hand in hand, especially when it comes to confronting heresies in our lives. We can easily be discouraged when we feel insufficient to share God’s Word correctly and when we have to rely on God’s timing. We cannot give up. These people are trusting in a false gospel and a false Jesus that cannot save them. Their only hope is the Jesus of the Bible and the Gospel that is laid out plainly. I’ve even seen this in my own family's life, don’t stop living it. Don’t stop sharing it! Don’t stop praying! God is being patient with them and we have to as well.

The Outcome - 2 Timothy 2:25-26
²⁵ Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. ²⁶ Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Responding to heresies is hard. It’s hard to even start the conversations. It’s hard for us to stay focused on the thing that matters. It’s hard to be gentle when the stakes are so high. It’s very hard to be patient through the entire process, but there is something that is so, so sweet on the other end. It all starts with a look - a look on their face when (as Paul puts it) they come to their senses. It’s when the Holy Spirit opens their eyes to the truth of the Bible and they understand their need for the Jesus of the Bible. The harder those conversations, the longer you’ve shared, and the longer you’ve prayed and prayed and prayed for that person the sweeter those moments are. Last week you identified heresies that were being believed by your families, your friends, and your neighbors. This week you have heard what you need to do. Grab God’s Word and head out on a mission - a mission that requires us to share the truth of God’s Gospel at every opportunity. Do not be distracted in those conversations. Be gentle at all times. Be patient and never give up. Heresies, Pharasies, and everything else that wants to twist, distort, and destroy the Gospel have been around since Jesus established His church here on earth. The church isn’t defenseless. God has given us the most powerful of weapons (His Word) and He’s shown how to wield it when it comes to confronting false teachings. We need to get to work!

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Sermon Notes

The Response

2 Timothy 2:23-26

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