2 Timothy 2:22–26: LIVING AS SERVANTS OF CHRIST IN A TIME LIKE OURS (Abortion)

A. GENERAL TEACHING ON ABORTION 1. The Scriptures imply that life begins at conception. Ps. 139:13-16 Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in the book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. Jer. 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations. 2. The Scriptures indicate that all children are a gift from the Lord (Not just those that are “wanted” or physically perfect). Ps.127:3 Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Exod. 4:11 And the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 3. In light of the above statements a biblical conclusion is that abortion is murder. James. 2:11 …(if you) commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. B. SPECIFIC TEACHING ON ABORTION The Hebrew word translated “miscarriage” in this verse usually refers in the Old Testament to a live birth. Thus, there was a fine for a premature live birth, but the death penalty was invoked for “further injury”, which was the death of the prematurely-born baby. Ex. 21:22-25 And if men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she has a miscarriage, yet there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined…. But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty, life for life. THE CONTEXT - BEING A USEFUL VESSEL 2 Timothy 2:14–21 14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. THE TEXT – BEING A SERVANT OF THE LORD 2 Timothy 2:22–26 (ESV) — 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.