Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—
Summary: Understanding Paul’s intent in this passage provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on what God wants us to do with our lives.
If we are correct in our analysis so far, Paul has instructed Timothy to command “certain people” who claim to be followers of Christ* to stop promoting “controversial speculations.”
Why?
Because such speculations do not advance “God’s work.”
That begs the question, “What is God’s work?”
Good question! Let’s talk about that. Jesus actually answers this question very plainly:
“The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29)
We could talk all day about why believing in Jesus is considered “work,” but let’s briefly refer to Strong’s Lexicon for a definition:
Strong’s G2041 — ἔργον érgon, er’-gon; from a primary (but obsolete) ἔργω érgō (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act:—deed, doing, labour, work.
It seems clear from this definition that belief in Jesus requires action. Belief is not just a matter of talk, but of what we do (James 2:18).
The next obvious question is, “What are we supposed to do?”
The Bible answers that question, too.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
Jesus himself answers the question this way:
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
The kind of love Jesus refers to is not a romantic attraction, but an active affection for God and neighbor. It is a willingness to honor and serve that takes effort — another word for “work.”
The phrase “controversial speculations” contains the explanation of Paul’s point. “Controversy” is the opposite of the work God wants us to be doing.
Paul addresses this in his letter to the Romans:
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” (Romans 14:1)
That is not to say that we cannot discuss such things, if such discussions enhance our ability to do God’s work. But there is a line we cross when discussions become contentious.
As interesting as it would be to list all the things people find to be “contentious,” that very act would itself be contentious. Instead, God leaves it to you and me to examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:28).
Application: Use this passage as a diagnostic tool to check whether or not you are doing God’s work.
Food for Thought: Why is advancing God’s work actually “work” for us?
*These are the only people who could reasonably be expected to accept an apostolic command. See “1 Timothy 1:3-4a – Stick to the Truth”
We are saved by grace through faith in Christ to accomplish works. That work is advancing God’s will and purpose through the proclamation of the gospel and using our gifts and talents to bear fruit for His purposes. If we do not do so we are being disobedient.
Ephesians 2: 8 – 10: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Acts 1; 8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 28: 19: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
1 Corinthians 15: 58: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Matthew 25: 14 – 30: ey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, a each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
22“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
23“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
24“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
26“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28“ ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Thank you, Rich!
I appreciate the reminder that we are saved by grace and not by works! Yet, as you point out, there is work to be done!!
Personally, I find that just loving people as God wants us to love can be a lot of work! 🙂
Why is advancing God’s work actually “work” for us?
It is only work when we believe we are to be the power living and speaking Gods will for all mankind, in our own strength. The only work given to us by God, is getting out of the way and allowing Him, in His power, to allow His Son to work through us…..
PROVERBS 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
ISAIAH 40:29, He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength
As believers we have repented our sins, asked Jesus Christ to come into our hearts, and be our righteousness before God, as we seek to live in obedience to Gods will over our own. We need to step off the throne, allow Jesus to take His rightful place in our hearts, and we will find ourselves living in peace as Jesus Christ
PHILIPPIANS 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
James 4:10, Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
EPHESIANS 3:20, Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Thank you, Ron!
So it sounds like our “work” is letting God drive.