THE GANGRENE OF ERROR!

THE GANGRENE OF ERROR!

2 Tim 2:15-19

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.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal; The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

           Study is necessary for God’s workmen whether they be clergy or laity. What begins as intellectual laziness drifts into gross error. We must be constantly measuring our opinions and theories with the truth of scripture so as to not be ashamed at some foolishness. In spite of the demands of a busy ministry in a rapidly moving culture, time must be invested in searching out the truths of the Word of God. It is our only manual for faith and practice.

           We must rightly divide the Word of Truth. The Greek word which is translated “rightly divide” is orthotomeo which literally means “to make a straight cut or to dissect.” We must not cut crookedly or wrest the meaning of the Bible to fit our own preferences.

           Error eats away like a canker! The word literally means gangrene. This Greek word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament! It means to devour and to corrode. It spreads and feeds upon itself eating up healthy tissue as it goes until the host is dead. Of Hymenaeus and Philetus we know almost nothing except they have gained eternal notoriety because of their false doctrine. They were teaching that the resurrection had already taken place. Their doctrine discouraged the weak and caused many to abandon a hopeless faith. Notwithstanding, God knows His own children and will not abandon them.

           Once again, Paul presents the truth that real faith produces a change in behavior. He recommends that all those who present themselves as believers depart from iniquity. We can presume that those who continue in their sinful ways are liars and not true followers of a Holy God. The fruit identifies the tree.

Dear Lord, let me be meticulous in my study so as to avoid believing and teaching error. Let my behavior match my claim. AMEN