The remedy for such a situation would be that we, especially the teaching overseers, be diligent to present ourselves as approved to God, specifically in the area of accurately handling the word of truth. It's not enough to simply go through the motions but, as believers, we must make a maximum effort in serving God and studying His word. Our efforts should be put towards being shown to be approved by God, not that we have to earn His love but we live our lives with the intention to please Him. Our efforts to please God should be as a "workman," which refers to working to the point of exhaustion. Living our lives in this way, always trying to please God by obeying Him, we can live an unashamed life. Not only that, if we work hard at studying God's word, we can be sure that we are not distorting God's word and therefore we can stand before God unashamed. This can be accomplished by "accurately handling the word of truth." The phrase "accurately handling" is a translation of the Greek word "orthotomeo," which literally means "cut straight." In trade work, such as carpentry or sewing, one must cut straight lines, following a set pattern, otherwise the finished product will be malformed; the same is true concerning the word of truth, that is, the Scriptures. If we do not properly handle the Scriptures, interpreting them correctly, we will end up with malformed theology. This speaks of the fact that there is a science to interpreting the Bible. Typically, in modern Christian settings, the focus in Bible study is on each person's own application of the text but this is putting the cart before the horse. A good student of the Bible must learn the text's intended meaning and then assess the application one can make. Not only that, we must remember that each passage of the Bible has only one intended meaning and the meaning is found in the words themselves. The meaning of each passage is not hidden; each author expected their intended readership to understand what they wrote. For example, Timothy understood the meaning Paul intended to convey in the words of this epistle because he read Greek, knew the context and understood the idioms. We, however, are two thousand years removed, cannot read Greek, don't really know the context and are mostly unaware of the idioms of the time. Unless we do the work of placing the Bible back into its original context, we will most likely misinterpret it. This is why it is important to have trained Biblical teachers in each community because not everyone has the ability or opportunity to study the Bible in this way.

16But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."

Not only must we properly interpret the word of truth we must also avoid things that will lead us away from the truth. Specifically, we should avoid worldly and empty chatter. The word "worldly" is a translation of the Greek word "bebelos," which refers to things that are profane. Too often the words "holy" and profane" are associated with "good" and "evil," respectively, however, this is not entirely accurate. Something that is "holy" is something that has been set apart for a special use whereas something "profane" is something that has not been set apart. In other words, something that is profane is simply normal and, in this context, has not been set apart unto the LORD. Essentially, what Paul called Timothy to avoid were discussions that were not glorifying to God. This is further clarified by the phrase "empty chatter," which refers to discussions about things that are in vain. This type of conversation does not edify and, in fact, leads to ungodliness. We all too often fall into the trap of gossip or evil speech and it's usually a result of vain conversations. In Jewish though, gossip and evil speech are likened unto the Biblical skin disease called "tzara'at." It's no wonder, therefore, that Paul compares worldly and empty chatter to gangrene. Gangrene is highly contagious, quickly spreads and grossly infects the skin. In the same way that one would avoid a person with gangrene, we should avoid unholy and useless conversations.

Paul then went on to specifically mention two of the false teachers who were generating this type of speech through their false teaching, namely Hymenaeus and Philetus. Hymenaeus was one of the two that Paul had handed over to Satan (cf. 1 Timothy 1:20). These men had "missed the mark" (or "gone astray," as the NASB put it) in regards to their teaching and were, apparently, teaching that the resurrection of the dead had already taken place. This would indicate that they had incorrectly assumed that the resurrection of the dead was not a bodily resurrection to immortality but more of an inward, "spiritual" reality. A result of such false teaching is that it upsets the faith of some. The Greek word "anatrepo," here translated as "upset," could possibly be understood in a much stronger sense. In other words, this type of false teaching could destroy some people's faith. That, however, would simply be evidence that their faith was not a genuine faith. Those whom God has chosen are His and cannot fall away. This is confirmed by the phrase "the firm foundation of God stands." The phrase “firm foundation of God” is most likely a reference to the ecclesia, the faithful remnant of Israel. In the greater community of Israel, not all are genuine believers; nevertheless, those who are a part of the “firm foundation of God” will stand. This is similar to the language used in Hebrews 6:9, where the writer to the Hebrews community confirms that he was not speaking of genuine believers when he described those who have tasted of the "heavenly gift" and then fell away (cf. Hebrews 6:4-9). Those whom God has chosen are those who are sealed. In that time, a seal was a symbol of ownership or authenticity, which in this case, the evidence that one has been sealed by God is in the type of life that they live. Using two allusions to Numbers 16 (verses 5 and 26, respectively), Paul explained this concept by stating that, first of all, the LORD knows who are His and this is evident by the fact that “everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness." The act of naming the name of the LORD is through abstaining from wickedness and living a life of faithful obedience.

20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

Next, Paul gave a metaphoric analogy to describe those within the believing community who were honourable and dishonourable. He used the illustration of a large house, which would obviously contain many vessels. This refers to the believing community as a whole and the vessels refer to the people. Some people within the community can be likened unto vessels that are made with gold and silver which are used for honourable purposes and some within the community can be likened unto vessels that are made with wood and earthenware, which are used for dishonourable purposes. Paul's singular point here is that no matter which community you look at, there will always be some people who are not what they should be. While there's nothing inherently wrong with a garbage can, there shouldn't be any garbage can believers, so to speak, in the community. In fact, if one were to cleanse himself from these, he will become a vessel for honour. The word "things" does not appear in the Greek text, so it's possible that Paul was not simply warning against avoiding the teaching and practices of the false teachers but warning against associating with the people themselves. This is similar to what Paul taught in his first epistle to the Corinthians, when he said that we should not even associate with immoral people (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). He also stated in 1 Corinthians 15:33 that "...bad company corrupts good morals." In other words, if one is not influenced by those who are dishonourable, they will have the opportunity to prove themselves to be honourable. He then went to give several ways one can be sure that they are honourable. Firstly, they should be sanctified, which refers to being set apart and distinctive from that which is profane. Again, we must make sure to avoid people who will influence us to sin, as this will enable us to become useful to the Master. We can become useful by being eager and willing to serve God, no matter how big or small and no matter what it will cost us. Someone who is concerned with their own lives will not be useful to God. Specifically, we should be useful in that we will be "prepared for every good work." We've noted this before but the phrase "good work" is an idiom in Jewish culture and refers to fulfilling a commandment of God. In order to be prepared to obey a commandment, one must first know the commandment as stated in the Bible and then also it's practical application. This means that one must be learned both in the biblical text and the historical application carried out by the people of Israel.

22Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

Paul repeatedly stressed the same issues to Timothy, as he was obviously concerned and wanted Timothy to overcome them. Here, he exhorted Timothy to "flee from youthful lusts." The word "flee" is in the imperative form and therefore has a sense of urgency to it. The phrase "youthful lusts" can refer to a broad range of temptations and isn't necessarily referring to sexual temptations, though it is the most common temptation young men deal with. Paul also added that Timothy pursue the things of God, as it does no good to flee one type of sin to another. Instead of youthful lusts, we should first pursue righteousness. This refers to a practical righteousness, that is, daily obedience to God's ways in every area of life. Add to that, faith, which most likely refers to being faithful. It does no good to pursue righteousness in an inconsistent manner. Along the same lines, it does no good to consistently pursue righteousness in an unloving way. The type of love referenced here is a selfless, sacrificial love based on choice, not emotions. Living our lives this way, will result in peace. The type of peace referenced here is not simply the absence of chaos but it refers to a unified aspiration to know and live by the truth. We're to live our lives like this with "those who call on the Lord from a pure heart," which is in reference to the honourable vessels of the community. Additionally, we should refuse foolish and ignorant speculations. This means we should have nothing to do with arguments about things that are purely debatable matters. The word "foolish" is the Greek word "moros," from which we get the English word "moronic." Also, the word "ignorant" refers to being uneducated. Our goal in discussion should not be to prove that we are right, especially in matters that are disputable. Instead, all of us should be pursuing the truth and focus on what the Scripture plainly teaches. Anything beyond this will simply result in arguments.

24The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

The phrase "the Lord's bond-servant" is probably a reference to the elder/overseer of the community because much of what Paul listed here is simply a reiteration of the qualifications laid down in his first epistle to Timothy regarding an overseer. Specifically, it would appear that Paul referred to here the attitude and method in which an overseer should teach the community. Firstly, he must not be quarrelsome, which is a reiteration of what Paul had just previously mentioned. Rather than being argumentative, in fighting against error, he must kind and gentle. The fight against error is done through teaching the truth and must be done in a certain way. Anyone can simply transmit data to others, this is why Paul said that the teaching overseer must be able to teach, which refers to being skilled in teaching. Specifically, he must be skilled in the sense that when correction needs to be done, he does it with kindness and with a compassionate motivation that the one in error comes to repentance. In this process, the teacher may have to endure insults and accusations but he must retain patience through it all and not retaliate in an ungodly way. The hope is that God will grant them repentance, which leads to the knowledge of the truth. Interestingly, it is God that grants repentance, which once again demonstrates His sovereignty and graciousness because the nature of a man is to sin. Repentance refers to turning from sin, which is a violation of the Torah, to obedience, which is the keeping of the Torah. If a person does not turn to obedience to the Torah, where the truth is found, then they have not actually repented. Nevertheless, the faithful teaching overseer's prayer and motivation is that the one in error will be granted repentance and, in a sense, come to their senses. When someone is in a stupor, like when person is highly intoxicated, they do not have the capability to make sensible decisions. Likewise, when someone accepts and teaches false teaching, the have become under the influence of Satan. The teacher's hope is that the one in error will come out of that stupor and escape the entrapment of Satan. When someone does not submit to the truth, they are simply doing the will of the Enemy.