The way we speak
by Pastor Jim Strelan
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Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly (2 Timothy 2:16).
Timothy is a young pastor, maybe even a beginning pastor. And Paul gives him advice that will help him in his ministry. Timothy will be most effective when his character is wholesome in every regard. Particularly in these verses, Paul encourages him to guard his tongue. He warns against ‘godless chatter’ and ‘foolish and stupid arguments’. Paul doesn’t want Timothy to get involved in debates that won’t do anything to build people up but will just confuse them. The way he speaks will have a significant impact on those to whom he wants to minister.
If you look carefully through much of the New Testament, you will see that the way we speak continually crops up as an indicator of how followers of Jesus will live out their faith. Ephesians 4:29 says, ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up’. Colossians 3:8,9 tells us that now Christ is in our lives, we ‘must rid [ourselves] of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from [our] lips. Do not lie to each other’. James 3:1–8 reminds us that the tongue can be ‘a restless evil, full of deadly poison’. Instead, we are encouraged to speak the truth, speak words that build up and encourage and give a clear, uncompromised witness to Christ.
How do you go with that? Does the way you speak match what you are as a redeemed child of God? Do you like to get involved in arguments, even arguments about God-things that really are just to demonstrate how intellectually clever you are but distract from the basic message of the gospel? Paul wants Timothy to be a man of integrity. That’s what a follower of Jesus is: the way we act and speak is consistent with who we are as God’s people.
Self-examination is a good thing, and we shouldn’t shy away from it. It helps us see how things are and can turn us in a new direction. When Paul wants to encourage Timothy in the way he lives, his starting point is always to remind him of the foundation of his faith. This chapter begins with the words, ‘Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus’ (verse 1). You and I keep focusing on the One who calls us to follow. In all the challenges he presents in his call to discipleship, there is always comfort in knowing that he walks with us, gently teaches us along the way, and equips us bit by bit, day by day.
Lord God, help us by your Spirit so that the way we speak builds up and encourages only and so gives witness to you. Amen.
Jim Strelan is a retired pastor who lives in Brisbane, Queensland. He has worked in Papua New Guinea, two Lutheran colleges and two suburban congregations, both with schools. He has three children and seven grandchildren and loves them all unconditionally. His passion is to share the gospel in ways that are as clear and simple as possible.
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