I (Randy) participated in debate and speech tournaments when in high school. I went to college in the beginning as a theatre/speech major with a minor in political science. My thinking was that making a living in the theatre probably was not going to be practical and, since I love a good argument/debate, perhaps political science leading to law might be a good fall back career. Alas, I got apprehended by Jesus and dropped out of college, as good Jesus freak, and things changed. But my propensity to argue a point and want to persuade others I am right, and they, if opposing me, must be wrong, or at least are greatly mistaken, still has not left me. I do not say this with great pride, for it has caused me to be a bit bombastic and I have had to pursue restoring relationships and apologize a bit too much to those I’ve offended for much of my life.
My attitude has too often been, as noted radio teacher J. Vernon McGee once said. “You may disagree with me on this….it is your perogotive to be wrong.” He probably said that tongue in cheek. Someone wiser, I don’t remember who, once said “There is no mistake so great as thinking you are always right.” Wisdom I can quote, but have rarely heeded until too late.
This of course does not mean there is not absolute truth that is worth defending. There is! And, we as believers in He that is The Truth and Whom reveals all Truth are charged with being apologist for Him/It. But our manner of defense does matter.
Paul wrote his disciple Timothy and in a few short strokes of his pen outlined the foolishness of wrangling in words to the point of quarrels and being perceived as quarrelsome.
[2Timotthy 2:14-16, 22-26 NASB95] 14 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,
… 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love [and] peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses [and escape] from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
In these few short verse the apostle warns his brother regarding quarrels and debate.
1) not to wrangle about words… saying it is useless and ruins any hearing. Therefore it is ineffective communication.
2) avoid worldly empty chatter… saying it leads to ungodliness instead of producing any good fruit.
3) refuse foolish and ignorant speculation…. saying they will produce quarrels.
4) a bond-servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome saying… kindness, patience, gentleness in sharing, teaching and correction is used of God to produce knowledge and understanding of truth and frees hearers from the snare of the devil.
Pretty strong instruction and admonishment from one who was extremely well educated and knew the arts of religious argument and persuasion.
We most often hear this passage to Timothy quoted regarding being able to teach and handling the scriptures accurately. While I have no strong real strong issue with that. Let us note that the workman 1) is not proving himself right, nor approved to others – men, but proving himself approved to God. I take that to truly mean as one fit to be a vessel for revealing truth in His hands. And also note, 2) that the workman is accurately handling the word of truth, not specifically teaching the scriptures, but handling the word of truth.
The word for accurately handling her literally means to cut a straight path, a straight course,…to be direct, clear, straightforward. The word for word here is logos which is generally understood as a written mandate or order, but is really simply what someone has said. The sayings or precepts of God in this case. And, the word for truth here is what is truly true, certain, reality. Free from falsehood, deceit, personal affection or interpretation. So, let us make truth, that which is of Him and from Him, clear and straightforward.
And, as indicated, the Lords bond-servant( read that as: approved workman used of Him in revealing truth to those snared by the evil one) must do so not looking to just win arguments, or just be right for the sake of being right alone and in and of that itself. But, he must be focused on what God is doing and His interest: giving understanding that leads to repentance and knowledge and understanding of the truth of the fullness of His love in Christ and His eternal Purpose for man in Jesus. Winning a quarrel or an argument may be self satisfying, but it will not necessarily free one from the snare of untruth and the lie. The instruction here is clearly that doing that will require apologia/defense from, and based in, kindness, love, patience, gentleness in correction and teaching.
By the way, you may be thinking I am talking about sharing truth with unbelievers. Yes, but unfortunately, I am mostly speaking to myself/us about arguments and quarrels within our ranks, among brothers. Even in the context of 2 Timothy 2 is an argument with others regarding the resurrection with some who had gone astray. We will need to handle the word of truth well, direct and straightforward, with kindness, gentleness, love and patience if we are to guard and keep our brothers or, if need be, used to deliver them unto repentance and leading to understanding the truth once again.
Winning debate and argument are “fun” for some of us. But winning arguments will not bring release from the snare, and peace to hearts. Our own hearts, or the hearts of those we perceive to be ensnared in various forms of, or doctrines of, that which is not truth. May our desire be far from just winning an argument and “being right”, but turned to being vessels of honor in His hands (workmen approved to God- ie: sanctified/set apart unto His service) to hold and reveal truth and His glory. For the apostle also instructs Timothy in this passage:
[2Timothy 2:20-22 NASB95] 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these [things,] he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
And…
22 Now flee from youthful lust and pursue righteousness, faith, love [and] peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
This final instruction in verse 22 is the heart of what I think Paul wanted to communicate to his charge, Timothy, and is what is on my heart to communicate here.
Forget and flee your own desire (youthful or not in my/our case) to have or be lifted up or be right. Instead…
Pursue
1)righteousness which is a gift of God in Christ Jesus,
2) faith which is also a gift of God that comes from an intimate relationship with the LORD of heaven and earth and is initiated as He speaks to you, l
3)love and peace which are the bonds and fruit of active service to and koinonia/fellowship of others in relationships He purposes for us have and grow in as His Body,
4)with those who call Him Lord, and call on Him as Lord with a pure heart which means not seeking manipulate anything from Him or others, but simply drawing life from Him and and living corporately in Him.
Let us together, not just alone or as lone rangers, pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace in Jesus our Lord. Our God is a God of relationships. He is rarely found in the quarrel He is often found in the peace. In fact it is there he commands the blessing:
[Psalm 133:1-3 NASB95] 1 A Song of Ascents, of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, [Even] Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing–life forever.