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If you miss this entire series or skim over these detailed studies on the importance of studying Scripture, stop.  Read this one.  This is the place where I summarize everything that my study of 2 Timothy taught me.

In 2 Timothy 2:14-18 Paul is telling Timothy one thing.  He is telling him to “Be a Watchdog of Doctrine”.

Let’s start by looking at the passage.  I’ve added the bold areas to highlight the main points in those verses.

2 Timothy 2:14-18 (NASB).

14  Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.
15  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
16  But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
17  and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18  men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

Paul gives Timothy 3 ways to be a watchdog of Doctrine.  Wait, what’s a watchdog of Doctrine?  Well, let me answer that.

A watchdog is someone that, “guards against loss, waste, theft, or undesirable practices”.  So a watchdog of Doctrine is someone that protects the words that God has given us about Himself.  Paul is telling Timothy that it is his (our) job to protect the Bible and ensure that it is used properly.

He gives Timothy (us) three ways and over the next few weeks we’ll look at each of these individually, However, for now, let’s look at the list.  No, before then, let’s look at the consequences of ignoring this passage.

1. Leads to the ruin of the hearers
2. Leads to further ungodliness
3. Will upset the faith of some

You think that your study of Scripture or lack there of is something that is singular or a victimless sin?  God doesn’t.  Notice that there isn’t a single one of these that are specific to an individual?  Did you notice that the singular pronoun is for the studier, but the plural pronouns are for the effected?  Pay attention!  You aren’t just messing with yourself in this sin.  You blow this and you will, not could, but will upset the faith of some.  I don’t want to answer to that at judgment.

Think about the list and begin to protect what God’s given us.  Remember, Paul solemnly charged Timothy this in the presence of God.

1. Eliminate word fights, they destroy
2. Gain God’s approval with Scripture study
3. Stop ungodly discussions, they foster ungodliness