2 Tim. 2:14-18
“14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”
In this passage, we see Paul warning Timothy of those that would pervert the word of God and the doctrine of the resurrection. He states in verse 17, that their word will eat as doth a canker, and in verse 18 that their words will overthrow the faith of some.
I would like to draw attention to the statement “that their word will eat as doth a canker.” A canker, as defined by Dictionary.com is something that corrodes, corrupts, destroys, and irritates. Now you may say that you are not teaching a false or erred doctrine, but let me ask you this: Are the things that you talk about considered to be profane and vain babblings? Do the words you speak increase unto more ungodliness? The Apostle Paul says that these words will increase unto more ungodliness, eat as a canker (rotting disease), and will overthrow the faith of some.
What do you spend your time talking about? Does it edify, and encourage the believer to Godliness? Or are your words considered profane and vain babblings? I have been told, and have also learned to agree with, that what you talk about the most, will show where your passion lies. I know when someone is excited about what God is doing in their life; because that is all they will talk about. You can also tell when someone has not spent enough time in the word of God and in prayer; because their conversation will be that of complaining, gripping, and even condescending toward others.
Another statement that we hear, and I often fall guilty of is, “I was just kidding…” There is a saying in spanish; “De broma en broma se dice la verdad.” Meaning, joke by joke tells the truth. If I can leave you with this word of encouragement; Phil. 1:27 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:” Understand that this word conversation means manner of life. But if our manner of life is the gospel of Christ, then our words will be that of the gospel of Christ. Let’s talk to someone today about the Lord!
Stephen Underwood
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