The Hall of Shame

II Timothy 2:17b-19

People get recognized for many things. You may be the best at something and get an award, or you may have started out bad but got better and win "most improved". No doubt most of us have won awards over the years. When we win awards like this it feels great, but there are times that people get recognized for being the worst at something. It all depends on what we recognize someone for. For instance, if I said that Nolan Ryan is the strikeout leader in Major League baseball, that would be a good thing. As a pitcher, he struck out 5,714 batters. However, if I told you that Reggie Jackson was the strikeout leaders, that would be a bad recognition. He struck out 2,597 as a batter.

Hebrews chapter 11 is often called "God's Hall of Faith". The topic is people who followed God in faith and God did great things in their lives. Men like Abraham, Abel, Enoch, Noah, and others are talked about in a praiseworthy way. This is how we would all like to be recognized by God. Sadly, there are some people listed in the Bible that are never spoke of in a positive way. This is how two people are mentioned in our text today.

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Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

II Timothy 2:17b-19

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Ouch! Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, put these men's names in the Bible to be immortalized for all eternity as people that had led others away from God. I do not want my name remembered for that! This is a terrible way to be remembered. Even though we do not know these men today, pastors and teachers tell others "Don't be like Hymenaeus and Philetus! These men caused people to turn away from God. You better think about what you say and do." This is not how any of us want our names to be used throughout history.

Paul goes on to tell Timothy that even though these men had overthrown the faith of some, "nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands". If their actions were intentional, that is they were purposefully trying to push people away from their faith, the Paul wanted Timothy to know that they could do nothing to the foundation of God. He would stand firm no matter what people tried to do. Since God will not and cannot be shaken, those of us who go by His name need to depart, or turn away from iniquity.

Ley me be a word nerd for just a moment. The Greek word that is translated "depart" can also be translated "revolt". It is a rather strong word that means to leave or go against forcefully. Rebellion against God (sin) is something that we should take serious in our lives and do everything in our power to remove it from our lives. Anything in our lives that would cause us to turn our faith from God, or that would cause others to depart from their faith in God should be revolted against. It should be forcefully removed from our lives. There is no such thing as a peaceful or passive revolt. With the same zeal and force that the patriots fought against the Red Coats, so we should fight to remove sin from our lives. If we are called by Jesus's name, the we need to represent His name well!

Father, I pray that I never cause someone to turn away from you. Help me to represent your name well. May my life be one that brings people to your feet because I am living in obedience to you. When I stray, bring me back into the paths of righteousness.