Ignorant Disputes

2 Timothy 2:23 New King James Version (NKJV)
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.


I believe this scripture will benefit us in this turbulent time. Many of Christians gain knowledge in a certain area and it is as if they are on a quest to prove their point to everyone. With the latest supreme court ruling this will only intensify. However, I would ask you, what is the point? What is the point of you proving your point? Is it to sway the other person's beliefs.? Do you really think this is where the results of your "belief quarrels" are headed. You are to speak the truth and move on. Let the scripture be your example. How often do you see Jesus in the scriptures in a back and forth discussions with the Pharisees and religious leaders? It was not often, instead He stated what He believed and moved on. When people are telling me why they believe what they believe I determine my response based on what I hear. First of all, I am not going to argue long what I know is true. Why? Because of 2 Timothy 2:23. I listen to hear the reasons people believe what they believe. If they believe what they believe based on their feelings, my discussion will be even shorter. I can't and will not even begin to compete with feelings. Feelings are a roller coaster ride. It is why some people are like a box of chocolates, in that you never know what your are going to get. I am not going to fight that battle. I also listen to hear if they have to over explain the scripture they use, again it will be a short discussion. Why? Because the scripture speaks for itself. The scripture is pointed and sharp, if I am having to invoke a theses argument to make my point I am probably trying to make the scripture say what I want it to mean, instead of knowing what the scripture means. I agree you need to have a scriptural basis to guide what you believe and you need to seek the Word until you are convinced, but after you are convinced learn and memorize what you believe. Let it be ingrained in your memory. Memorize the scripture you are grounded on, know the scripture verse, and the context. Recite it daily. Use it in your discussion to the extent that it edifies and builds up. But stop continually dueling with someone over their beliefs you know to be false and realize that your continuance is sin it itself. You are violating 2 Timothy 2:23. Believe what you believe, know it is grounded in the scriptures by knowing and understanding the exact scriptures that reveal your stance on the topic. Spend your time memorizing these scriptures. When you say I can't memorize scripture, then go and write the scripture twenty five times. Read the scripture aloud twenty five times and then attempt to quote the scripture five times. If you still don't know the scripture, then do it all over again and do it until you know it. Now when your flesh just said I am not going through all that just to memorize scripture, then look yourself in the mirror and say these words to yourself and Jesus, "I do not believe knowing your Word to the extent of memorization is important enough for me to do what it takes to memorize it." Leave it at that and move on, but stop fooling yourself by just saying I can't. I would agree that some people because of age or ailment may not be able to do what they once did, but in my experience that is the exception and not the rule. And the proof is in the pudding. Are your statements backed up with your papers showing you wrote it out twenty five times. If you try you may be surprised. 



Brother David