but avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, [2 timothy 2:16]

every command in the word of God has at least three purposes.

1) to protect or provide for us. God’s commands are good for us. [ps 119:2, 11] every command of God is given to bring us into the perfect will and ways of God. in his ways, we are spiritually protected and provided for. and often time, when we keep his word, he protects us physically and emotionally.

2) to reveal something about the holy nature and character of God. [hebrews 10:16] every time a command of God is given, it reflects something about himself that he has written into our hearts through his Spirit. for example, when God says, “you shall not murder,” he is revealing that he is Life. when God says, “you shall not commit adultery,” he is revealing he is Faithful. when God says, “you shall not steal,” he is revealing he is Provider. in every command, God reveals something about his holy nature and character.

3) to reveal our great need for a savior – Jesus. the law is good and reveals the holy nature of God. it also reveals our great need for a savior – who alone is Jesus. the Holy Spirit tells us this about God’s law:

for by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. [romans 3:20]

using the three purposes above, answer these questions about 2 timothy 2:16.

  • what is God trying to protect us from or provide for us through the command in this verse?
  • what is God revealing about his holy nature in this verse?
  • how does this verse reveal your sin and your great need for Jesus? (be specific. confess. and, lean in to Jesus as the Redeemer and Restorer of your soul!)

o LORD, your commands are not evil. they are good. and, they do not lead us from you. rather, they lead us to you. today, LORD, as we seek to follow your will, let our obedience be fueled by your love and power and may it move us into the joy of your presence. in Jesus name, amen!

~ john ryan