Gainful Discussion!

There are numerous topics we can find ourselves discussing today ranging from the small talk of the day’s weather to the seriousness of politics and religion (two subjects some try to avoid). However, some discussion even regarding the most serious of subjects can be worthless if the right substance is not brought into it.

As Paul, a prisoner at Rome, sensed the end of his life in this realm was drawing near, he urgently warned Timothy regarding things of which he needed to be mindful as he carried on his ministry at Ephesus. Because of false teachers and error already circulating (i.e. 2 Timothy 2:18 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3), Timothy needed to remain focused on the truth of God.

In both letters to Timothy Paul urged…
“(20) O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. AVOID THE IRREVERENT BABBLE and contradictions of what is FALSELY CALLED ‘KNOWLEDGE,’ (21) for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.” ( 1 Timothy 6:20-21 ESV)

And…

“(15) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (16) But AVOID IRREVERENT BABBLE, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, (17) and THEIR TALK WILL SPREAD LIKE GANGRENE. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, (18) who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.” ( 2 Timothy 2:15-18 ESV)

The Greek word translated “babble” is “kenophonia”, a compound of “kenos” (empty) and “phone” (a sound), thus being a reference to empty talk. Among our English definitions for “babble” is that of the unintelligible sound of an infant. Paul referred to it as being “irreverent” [(Gk.) “bebelos”, also translated godless or profane in contrast to that which is sacred]. Because of this “irreverent babble” some had swerved from the faith or had their faith upset. Therefore Paul warned for such to be avoided because it could spread ungodliness like gangrene. When gangrene begins to spread in the physical body it can lead to the need of severing part of the body in order to keep it from leading the death. The picture is the same with regard to spiritual matters.

To be involved in babbling. the discussion could merely be a pooling of spiritual ignorance by those who join in. Is our desire merely to talk about the Word of God or to get into the Scriptures, allowing them to speak to us? For our life to be SPIRITUALLY SOUND we need to hold to the substance the Scriptures provide.

There is no substance to many ideas circulated today. Just as during the days of Paul, there remains that which is “falsely called knowledge.” ( 1 Timothy 6:20) May we avoid the “empty sound” as we continually seek the SOUND TEACHING of the Scriptures.

Have a great day MATURING IN GENUINE GODLY DISCUSSION!
Carl

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