Bible Study: Pursuing godly character in a world of quarreling

2 Timothy 2:14-26

Click here to read the passage, 2 Timothy 2:14-26.

Pursuing godly character in a world of quarreling

Paul exhorts Timothy to avoid fruitless arguments, rightly handle God’s Word, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.

Adding to the soldier, athlete, and farmer illustrations from the preceding verses, Paul introduces three more metaphors:

• The unashamed workman (vv. 14–19)

• The clean vessel (vv. 20–22)

• The Lord’s servant (vv. 23–26)

Paul warns against divisive and destructive arguments that undermine faith. Instead, believers should focus on rightly handling Scripture and living in a way that honors God. He uses the image of a clean vessel, urging Timothy to separate himself from dishonorable influences.

Finally, Paul emphasizes that God's servant must be kind, patient and gentle in correcting others, trusting that God will grant repentance and knowledge of the truth.

Key Takeaways:

• Avoid Foolish Arguments – Engaging in useless debates leads to division, not godliness.

• Rightly Handle the Word – Studying and teaching Scripture with accuracy is vital.

• Live as an Honorable Vessel – Christians must be set apart for God's use.

• Cultivate Godly Character – Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.

• Correct with Gentleness – Kind instruction, not harshness, helps others escape error.

Quotes

• John Stott (pastor who died in 2011): “The pastor’s task is not to win arguments but to win people.”

• John Chrysostom (4^th Century archbishop of Constantinople): “Rebuke without anger, correct without arrogance. For even those who oppose the truth may one day see its light and be saved.”

• J. C. Ryle (18^th Century Anglican bishop): “It matters little what man thinks of us. But it matters everything what God thinks of us. Let us labor to show ourselves approved before Him, not bending His truth to fit our age, but bending ourselves to fit His truth.”

Questions:

1. What are some examples of "quarreling about words" in today's culture?

2. How do we balance standing for truth while avoiding quarrels?

3. What does it mean to "rightly handle the word of truth" (v. 15)?

4. How can we guard against becoming like Hymenaeus and Philetus (v. 17-18)?

5. What does Paul mean by being a "vessel for honorable use" (v. 21)?

6. Why is gentleness important when correcting others (v. 24-25)?

7. What does this passage teach us about spiritual warfare and the devil’s schemes (v. 26)?