Verses 1-7
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Teach the Word, and the Word only, out of love and to edify others, not to win arguments or to appear smart.
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Avoid learning or talking about topics that you cannot point to in the Word, and don't talk about matters that cause arguments.
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Any teaching that does not contribute to a person becoming more like Christ (being edified) should not be taught on. Avoid these teachings.
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If you study the Word for the purpose of helping others, you will grow well. But if you study to accumulate your own knowledge, and only for the sake of knowledge, you will be limited.
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People who desire to be teachers for their own glory will have little understanding.
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Be selfless in your pursuit of knowledge and your understanding of the Word will increase dramatically.
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Verses 8-11
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Wisely, use God's law—the Ten Commandments especially—to show unbelievers their sins in God's eyes, so that they will hopefully be convicted and desire to repent (Romans 3:19, Galatians 3:22).
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Be careful to use this for unbelievers that are willing to listen. Don't share with those who mock or do not care (Proverbs 9:8).
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Verses 12-17
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Remember that Christ came to save sinners (Mark 2:17), and He saves the worst of them.
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Some sins are worse than others—causing little ones to stumble (Matthew 18), sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6), harming believers (1 Timothy 1:13,15, Acts 26:11), etc.
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But even the most destructive sins can be forgiven, so long as a person is willing to repent.
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Therefore, like Christ, show mercy to unbelievers.
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Don't hold their sins against them. Work to bring them closer to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
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Verses 18-20
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To live your life well, keep your faith, and maintain a clean conscience.
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Keeping your faith: Stay focused on Christ. Don't start trusting in yourself, your own works, or anything else, for your salvation (Galatians 1:6-9, 5:1-9).
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Maintaining a clean conscience: Do your best to do what you know is right in every situation. Don't feel guilty about anything that you do (Acts 24:16, Romans 14:22-23).
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You will suffer if you stray from these two things.
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