Wrangler

2 Tim 2:14 “ 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.”

The more I am blessed with a platform in which to teach the truths of God’s Word, the more I run into to people whom would rather argue and dispute about the subjects in which we differ, rather than be unified on the more important issues in which we agree. Sometimes I become frustrated with people who seem to live for the fruitless discussions over non-essential differences in our Theological beliefs. When frustration sets in, I am quickly reminded by God the Holy Spirit of Ephesians 6:12 as to the source of the senseless “wrangling over words”. Ephesians 6:12 “ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.” The real dispute is not against the person who has a difference of opinion, but against the “dark forces of this world” in the arena of Spiritual Warfare. The only way to combat such opposition is to rely on the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God”, and simply continue to teach truth.

2 Timothy 2:14 begins with “Remind THEM of these things, and solemnly charge THEM in the presence of God…”

The first question that comes to my mind and yours should be, “Who is THEM?” In order to understand exactly who THEM is, we must refer to the context of the Chapter. Back in 2 Timothy 2:2 it is clear that the THEM in which Paul is referring is “Faithful men who will be able to teach others also”. As believers we are required to become teachers of God’s Word. (Hebrews 5:12) Part of teaching “faithful men who will be able to teach also” is to remind them not to “wrangle about words” with those who stand ready to “wrangle”.

The statement “wrangle about words” is actually one word in the Greek, logomacheo. The word logomacheo is a compound word derived from two Greek words: logos meaning word and machomai meaning war, or a war of words. In any type of war there will always be casualties, even in a war over words. Therefore, we have two warnings from Paul as why not to war with others over The Word. Paul clearly explains that a warring over The Word is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. The Greek word translated “useless” is actually two words in the Greek, oudeis which is a negative meaning no, and chresimos which means serviceable or profit. To war over the Word is of no service to anyone especially to God, and profits us nothing. No one ever wins in an argument over The Word, and no one is ever edified through an argument over the Word. It is a fruitless discussion usually taking place in the flesh and not the Spirit.

The second warning Paul stresses is that it “leads to the ruin of the hearers.” The word Paul uses, katastrophe, is obviously where we derive the English word catastrophe, which literally translated means utter failure. Whoever hears the war over the Word between believers will see the Christian Way of Life as a failure. “If these guys both claim to be Christians, yet believe different things; why would I want to get involved in something that seems to only cause conflict?" If we as believers ever cause someone to utter these words or even think these thoughts, then we have failed our responsibility as “workmen who need not to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth."

As believers fighting on the same team against the real enemy, Satan, we need to stay focused and alert so that we may be unified instead of forming factions against one another. When discussing the Word with others that may share a different Theological viewpoint, talk about the issues that are agreed upon and steer clear of the differing beliefs. This will be a giant step toward unity and away from division. Jesus Christ says in Mark 3:25 “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” It is wise to heed the words of OUR Savior and stand together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember, together we stand; divided we fall. We need to “stand firm against the schemes of the devil”. One of his schemes is getting believers to argue and “wrangle over words.” Don’t give Satan a stronghold by arguing with other believers; refuse to "wrangle over words"!