“But avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ugodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth.”
2 Timothy 2:16-18a
Paul tells us in today’s passage to steer clear of irreverent babble and worthless, empty chatter. He gets specific, even naming two particular people who were spreading a false teaching that the resurrection of the dead had already happened.
While it is true that we are “raised with Christ” (Ephesians 4:6), there is still a future glory and resurrection that awaits us. Yet these false teachers were misleading believers by saying that we are, in effect, already living in the state of resurrection. Well, if the final resurrection already happened, I am disappointed! The hope of living in resurrection bodies face-to-face with Jesus is what I long for, and we are not there yet … not by a long shot!
When false teaching takes hold in the church, it spreads death, not life. It’s not like the spreading flowers on a mountainside in spring. It’s more like gangrene on a foot or hand. The limb must be cut off to stop the decomposing. Reject lies that twist the gospel into something it’s not. Instead, hold onto Jesus and the truths of His words.
While it is true that we are “raised with Christ” (Ephesians 4:6), there is still a future glory and resurrection that awaits us. Yet these false teachers were misleading believers by saying that we are, in effect, already living in the state of resurrection. Well, if the final resurrection already happened, I am disappointed! The hope of living in resurrection bodies face-to-face with Jesus is what I long for, and we are not there yet … not by a long shot!
When false teaching takes hold in the church, it spreads death, not life. It’s not like the spreading flowers on a mountainside in spring. It’s more like gangrene on a foot or hand. The limb must be cut off to stop the decomposing. Reject lies that twist the gospel into something it’s not. Instead, hold onto Jesus and the truths of His words.
Scripture Focus
2 Timothy 2:16-19
Insight
Lord, we ask for Your church to be guarded and preserved by Your power. Remove false teaching and give us discernment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 3-4
- Psalm 105
- Romans 1-2
