2 Timothy 2:14–19 “Living the Truth”

2 Timothy 2:14-19 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Goodness of God – Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson
• The Stand – Hillsong
• All Sons & Daughters – Great Are You Lord

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The Belt of Truth | A Sunday School lesson about the Armor of God for kids – Lesson for Kids
• I Am Not My Own – by Getty Music and Skye Peterson #kidsmusic #choirs #christianhymns – Song for Kids
• Light of the World | Stellar VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• No Matter What I’m Facing | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Next, the Apostle gives Timothy specific instructions to pass on to the believers. The warning “not to quarrel about words” (v.14) has already appeared several times before. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric (the skill of persuading or defeating an opponent through speech) was considered one of the highest abilities. But words and logic cannot truly transform people. Arguments about truth are useless, and quarrels over trivial matters are harmful.

Therefore, the Apostle did not want Timothy to become a master of debate. Instead, he urged him to be “a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (v.15). This means relying not on rhetorical skills but on the power of the Word and living a life worthy of the message he teaches.

To do so, he must “avoid godless chatter” (v.16). If someone becomes corrupted by it, “they will become more and more ungodly.” Such talk spreads like gangrene and leads to ruin (v.17). Earlier, the Apostle had warned against falling away, mentioning Phygelus and Hermogenes (1:15). Here, he refers to Hymenaeus and Philetus. Although little is known about them, the Apostle reports that they taught, “the resurrection has already taken place” (v.18). This does not refer to Christ’s resurrection but to the resurrection of believers. They claimed that the resurrection of believers had already happened, and therefore, there was no such thing as Christ’s return.

“But God’s solid foundation stands firm” (v.19), meaning that the truth of the gospel is like a house built on a strong foundation that cannot be shaken. To encourage the faithful, the Apostle cites Numbers 16:5: “The Lord knows those who are his.” He also alludes to Numbers 16:26: “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” With this word, the Apostle calls on believers to live uprightly.

Meditation:

Complete truth cannot be fully contained in words and logic. Although we must use words and logic to communicate truth, they can never provide a completely satisfying explanation. Words and logic inevitably reduce truth, and in the process, truth can become distorted. Therefore, no one can be led to the truth through arguments. If someone is persuaded through debate, they have not been convinced by truth itself but by logic. That is why arguments are considered harmful in the work of proclaiming truth.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of two things when it comes to proclaiming the truth. First, do not rely on rhetorical skills but on the power of truth itself. The teacher’s responsibility is not to perfectly capture truth in language, but to guide the listener toward the truth, to stir within them a search for it, and ultimately to help them encounter truth itself. We must open people’s eyes to the “Spirit of truth” who works among us, leading them to live by His guidance. This does not come by skill in words, but by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Second, the one who teaches must live a life consistent with the truth they proclaim. This is why the Apostle urges, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (v.15). If a teacher does not live out what they teach, they cannot truly be said to be teaching the truth. The moment truth is recognized for what it is, it lays hold of a person’s life. Therefore, the one who teaches truth must embody it in action before they ever express it in words.

Prayer:

Lord of truth, make us not merely people who know the truth, but people who live the truth. May our lives be aligned with the truth we believe, so that we may faithfully proclaim Your truth. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: True faith is not shown by winning arguments but by living in a way that matches God’s truth. Words and logic cannot fully contain the truth, but the Holy Spirit leads us to live it out. Those who teach or share God’s Word must also live it, because truth is recognized not only in speech but in action.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What happens if we say something but don’t do it? Do you think people will believe us?
  • Who helps us live in God’s truth—not just know it? (Answer: The Holy Spirit)
  • Can you think of one way you can show God’s truth this week (at home, at school, with friends)?
    
• Youth
  • Why do you think Paul said arguments about truth are harmful? Have you ever seen arguments push people further apart instead of closer to God?
  • What is the difference between being convinced by logic and being transformed by truth?
  • In what area of your life do you feel challenged to live more consistently with what you believe about Jesus?