Thursday, August 13, 2009

Foolish Controversies

2 Tim. 2:20-23 (ESV)
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. [21] Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
[22] So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. [23] Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
We have been set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house for every good work. It has been done, we were made holy in baptism. The Master of the House, Jesus Christ will use us for all good works. Paul tells Timothy then to flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, these are not youthful, but mature passions. These are what we want to set our minds on. Of course when one is in his youth it is hard not to have youthful passions. I think I still have them. Timothy, probably did too. Paul tells him not that he can’t have them, but to flee from them, and pursue the mature. Today I think there is a tendency to prolong youth, rather than shorten it. There comes a time to put aside childish things, and become a man. Why is youth so worshiped in our society? What is wrong with growing up?
Have nothing to do with foolish ignorant controversies. Would for the life of me, God would give me discernment to know what is a foolish controversy, and what is one that needs to be addressed. How many congregations are torn apart by foolish controversies, that breed quarrels? Quarreling with in a congregation is very rarely, if ever, edifying. We don’t need to indulge them. I think perhaps sometimes congregations can be to patient with people. We forgive and forgive as one person sows seeds of discord. We worry about that one persons soul, but in the meantime, how many are lost due to the quarreling? Paul’s advice here is something to take to heart.

4 comments:

Steve Martin said...

We live in an infantile society where staying a child is encouraged. it does make things much more difficult in the church.

How many of us still use the word 'cool' into our 40's and 50's?

Too many.

It used to be that kids desired to become adults and were encouraged to do so. Now it's the other way around.

Not so 'Cool'.

Brigitte said...

Hey! Steve! I say "cool" sometimes. Maybe I'll quit when I'm 50. (Haha). And is that a foolish quarrel? (sorry). :)

I think in Canadian society, people are so nice and reticent to enter into any controversy, they may be off the wagon the other way.

In Germany, I find they like to discuss many things, but often from ignorance. But generally I feel discussion is better than no discussion (if one has the time and energy.)

Maybe the main thing to do is to remain teachable and not always take a defensive or offensive stance.

Everyone open their ears and listen and consider that maybe they could be wrong in interpersonal matters and that doctrine also can be refined, and that those who don't know proper doctrine are actually quite ready to believe it, if someone told them properly.

Bror Erickson said...

Brigitte,
I suppose that is the problem. Germans can argue and still be more or less friends even after heated debate. Americans tend to find argument rude, and take things very personally. (I don't understand that, and I am an American.) So there has to be a balance struck. Being able to argue in a polite and friendly manner. I am not always very good at that.

Brigitte said...

When I was reading about Bethel and Barmen confessions the other day, I came across some Sasse, where he was saying the devil tries to get everyone somewhere. The orthodox teacher will be got where he becomes arrogant in his approach because he really does know everything better. So better watch out!!! :)