Note 1 at 2 Tim. 2:14: Specifically, the "things" Paul is instructing Timothy to remind the believers in Ephesus about are the things he said in verses 11-13. This includes promises of blessings for our faithfulness in troubles (see notes 23-24 at 2 Tim. 2:11-12, p. 1324), a reminder of God's faithfulness even when we are unfaithful (see note 26 at 2 Tim. 2:13, p. 1324), and a stern warning of Christ denying us if we deny Him (see note 25 at 2 Tim. 2:12, p. 1324).

Certainly all of Paul's instructions to Timothy were worthy of bringing to the remembrance of the Ephesian believers.

Note 2 at 2 Tim. 2:14: The Bible instructs us to "forget not all his benefits" (Ps. 103:2). The reason for this command is that we all have a tendency to forget. Without effort or reminders we will forget what the Lord has done for us and His instructions to us. Therefore, a good minister should put people in remembrance.

Note 3 at 2 Tim. 2:14: Timothy was to warn others to avoid disputing about words. Fritz Rienecker's Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament says that the Greek words here mean to "wage a word war."

Our words are important, they are vital to communicating the gospel. An undue emphasis on words can breed strife. Words should serve only to communicate the life-transforming truths of the gospel. Our focus should be on transforming lives, not the words used.

Sometimes people stumble over a person's words and miss the true intent of the heart. The message that is being communicated can be clearly seen if words line up with actions. By this we can discern hypocrisy and avoid following someone in error, regardless of how wonderful his words are. We can also reap the benefits of those who have the Word working in their lives but may not be eloquent speakers.

Many church fights, and strife could have been avoided if we would have harkened to these words. Arguing over words doesn't help anyone and can bring ruin and destruction to those who listen.

Note 4 at 2 Tim. 2:14: As explained in note three at this verse, Paul instructed Timothy not to allow fighting over words. Paul himself put great emphasis on words. The book of Galatians is based on not only one word, but on one letter (s) of one word (see note 22 at Gal. 3:16, p. 1068). There are words, specifically the words of scripture, that we shouldn't compromise.

Paul is more accurately telling Timothy not to allow strife about petty words (to no profit). The Message says "Warn them before God against pious nitpicking. . . ." The Amplified Bible says, ". . . to avoid petty controversy over words. . . . "

How do we know which words are petty and which words are important? Look at the results (see note 5 at this v.). Are the words being argued over, essential to bringing people to the Lord? If they aren't, then they aren't worth arguing about. Words about the color of the carpet, the size of the steeple, and whether to have pews or chairs are all petty words and shouldn't be the source of strife.

Note 5 at 2 Tim. 2:14: The word "subverting" was translated from the Greek word "KATASTROPHE" which means "an overturn, i.e. demolition; figuratively apostasy" (Strong). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says this word means, "overthrow, destruction." This is the root word from which we get our English word "catastrophe."

This is speaking of destroying or overthrowing the faith of those who listen. This is the way the New International Version translates this verse: "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." The Amplified Version says, ". . .which does no good, but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers."

Paul is expounding on what he means by strife about "words to no profit." They are specifically arguments over words that destroy the faith of those who listen. We should never argue over anything, much less words that can cause others to stumble in their faith.