Dealing with Those of Different Opinions

·27 min·2 clips

Paula Harris confronts the sadness of Christians arguing heavily with each other instead of uniting over God's word.

The episode begins with host Paula Harris expressing sadness over division and arguments within the body of Christ. She references James 1:20 to state that human wrath does not achieve God's righteousness. Harris then introduces the main scripture, 2 Timothy 2:15-26, as Paul's instruction to Timothy on dealing with those promoting false doctrine. She explains verse 15, distinguishing between being accepted in Christ and being approved by God as a worker who correctly handles truth. Verse 16 warns against godless chatter, which leads to ungodliness. Verse 17 compares false teaching to gangrene, citing the false teachers Hymenaeus and Philetus. Verse 18 notes they departed from truth by saying the resurrection already happened, destroying faith. Verse 19 assures that God's foundation stands firm, sealed with his knowledge of his people and their departure from wickedness. Verse 20 uses the analogy of vessels in a large house to distinguish faithful and unfaithful believers. Verse 21 encourages cleansing to become instruments for special purposes. Verse 22 instructs fleeing evil desires and pursuing righteousness. Verse 23 advises avoiding foolish arguments that produce quarrels. Verse 24 states the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind, able to teach, and not resentful. Verse 25 says opponents should be gently instructed, hoping God grants repentance. Verse 26 aims for them to escape the devil's trap. Harris emphasizes the goal is healing and unity, not division, and warns against becoming instruments for Satan through anger. She concludes by urging listeners to fight spiritual battles with spiritual weapons.

As heard by us

Paula Harris uses James 1:20 and 2 Timothy 2 to examine anger, false teaching, and division within the body of Christ.

Division within the body of Christ gives Paula Harris's episode its urgency. Working through 2 Timothy 2:15-26, she sets James 1:20 against the kind of anger that feeds arguments, then places Jesus turning over the temple tables beside his rebuke of Peter in Gethsemane.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

When Christian disagreement leaves you angry, press play for a scripture-led way to slow the heat.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Worldwide Wonderful Women