We continue in 2 Timothy 2 where Paul instructs Timothy on the necessary qualities and actions that will benefit the church. The bigger theme is our desire to articulate a Biblical definition of the church. In previous teachings from this chapter, we have seen that the church consists of those who know the Lord and “call upon the Lord with a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

This can only be the result of a work of grace. Religious consumers who gather in a “Christian” assembly who have no means of a pure heart through conversion and sanctification through the blood atonement are not “the church.”

We have continued to show how the institutional church does not fit the Biblical definitions of the church. In this class we discuss the term “speculations” which appears in 2 Timothy 2:23 and is used 7 times total in the NT. Speculations are not derived from the Spirit-inspired Scriptures but from human wisdom and curiosity. They do not lead to the truth because they are philosophical controversies and religious opinions which cannot be verified.

Paul calls them “foolish and uninformed” controversies. We urge Christians to share together in fellowship under the pure teaching of the Word of God. Titus 3:9 contains the same word translated “speculations” and says this, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” Rather than religious theories and controversies we urge the pure teaching the word of God and loving care for one another as we serve together in the body of Christ.