The Tongue - Edition #25: Ruining Those Who Listen

May 2nd, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #25: Ruining Those Who Listen

2nd Timothy 2:11-17
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene.

“Their teaching will spread like gangrene” this really freaks me out. I mean, it’s like cancer… you can’t do all that much about it… I mean, there is stuff you can do, but there is much pain involved, but on the global scale, it’s going to keep on going. Can you cure everyone’s cancer at the same time? Only God can do that.

2nd Timothy 2:17 Gangrene:
gaggraina
gang'-grahee-nah
From γραίνω grainō (to gnaw); an ulcer (“gangrene”): - canker.

Gangrene (noun):

1. Death and decay of body tissue, often occurring in a limb, caused by insufficient blood supply and usually following injury or disease.

“Their teaching will spread like a virus” I wanted to take that liberty and use that simile. Viruses spread quicker and faster than anything… the flu, when it hits the states, its everywhere in days. But gangrene is a good analogy, “lack of blood” because it is the blood of Christ that saves… if the lack of blood spreads out among Gods people, his people can fall away from Christ… like a limb. And it would be all from the mouth. It would all be from godless chatter. That was weird, I was going to go the virus route, and the gangrene won me over… now that is cool. Johnny Out.