FBC Daily Devotions

NOT WORTHY OF DEBATE

Read 2 Timothy 2:23. 

Back in Paul’s first letter to Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness (1 Tim. 6:11). Strangely absent is Paul’s command to pursue peace, found here in this second letter. As Paul begins to pass the torch to his son in the faith, perhaps he sees false teaching seeping slowly into the church, raising controversy and heating debate. People are getting confused and upset. Sides are being formed and reformed. Battle lines are being drawn. And one has to wonder why so much effort is being expended on what Paul calls, “foolish and ignorant speculations”. Rather than attack these foolish controversies, Paul seems to be saying here that they should be dealt with peaceably. To continue quarreling on the matter would only lend weight to the other side’s view.

Paul tells Timothy to “refuse” (NAS) these speculative debates. To “refuse” literally means “to ask to excuse oneself” or “to decline”. There is a sense of humility in this term, one that the translation “refuse” makes sound a little too harsh and the translation “don’t have anything to do with” (NIV) sound a little too disengaging. A peaceful refusal of false teaching begins with politely choosing not to get involved in a quarrelsome debate. It is a polite rejection of an invitation to spar. [1]  This does not mean, though, that there cannot be discussion on the matter, because as we will see, false teaching cannot continue to go uncorrected. But more on this tomorrow…

All of this leads to the question, What kind of quarrelsome talk was Paul referring to? The answer lies in Titus’ letter where Paul states specifically, “shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Tit. 3:9)

They were engaging in debate regarding controversial matters that could never be resolved, matters of genealogies that had no value whatsoever to Christ, and matters of the Law, which only led to death and had no place in the spiritual growth of Christ followers. In other words, they were getting involved in matters that had no real relevance to a life in Christ. These matters did nothing to help them grow.

How do we know when our debating falls into this category of foolish speculation?  The previous verse in Titus gives us a promising guideline. Paul tells Titus that they were to be “engaged in good deeds” – things that are “good and profitable for men.” (3:8) He then goes on to tell them to avoid foolish controversies and the like.

When it comes to engaging in discussion (even heavy, yet respectful debating), we must ask ourselves whether it ultimately affects anyone’s relationship with God and hence, one’s behavior. Any discussion that has no outward effect is only head knowledge and puffs up (1 Cor. 8:1). Yes, there are times when matters of the faith are debatable (e.g. forms of music, forms of teaching, etc.), but these often relate to one’s ability to grow in Christ. These kinds of discussions are actually very beneficial. But watch out for discussions that lead to meaningless quarrels. They do nothing but distract people from what is really important – a life growing in Christ.   

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Questions for Home Groups

1) What is it about speculative matters that are so enticing to some?

2) What might be some examples of “foolish and ignorant speculations” today not worthy of debate? Have you ever been “sucked in” to such a debate? What was the result?

3) On the flipside, what are some examples of some not so foolish speculations that are avoided out of laziness?

When, if ever, have you witnessed foolish debate or quarrelsome behavior to the distraction and discouragement of fellow believers?

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 [1] Understandably, there are times when people can debate passionately on issues of doctrine. Certainly, many doctrines are subject to debate. But most often (though not always) these debates center on matters of truth. We are attempting to understand and articulate biblical truth, and I trust Paul would be fine with that. In the matters brought forth in this letter and in many letters of Paul, he is concerned about worthless yet dangerous talk – controversies that “tickle ears” (2Tim. 4:3), myths that take the place of truth, “knowledge” that has led some astray (1 Tim. 20-21). These are matters rising from prideful ignorance, not a humble seeking after truth.