CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

Many people like avoiding discussion on controversial issues in Christian forums quoting Paul's advice to Timothy  in 2Tim. 2:23-26. My view of this verse is that Paul was not telling Timothy to avoid argument but to avoid a particular type of argument which may not be of help to the listeners.
Paul expressly says:

"But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing THOSE THAT OPPOSE THEMSELVES; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (II Timothy 2:23-26)

The distinction made here by Paul is that there are discussions that emanate from uninformed sources that do not have any biblical basis. Such discussions would be like those that come from people whose minds are already made and not ready to listen to a different thought. Such topics like water baptism, the Sabbath, tithes,the ordination of women, etc. are good but they are endless arguments if the people who start them have cemented presuppositions that are in their own denominational dogma. An SDA would call others who do not worship on Saturday devil worshipers if he/she belongs to such a group. A Branhamist would say that anyone who believes in the Trinity is lost.

However we should know that it is important for us to contend for the faith and give an answer to all those who ask us why and what we believe. When you hear a Christian leader say that he/she never respond to some argument because he/she considers those argument to be foolish, just know that the leader here has reached the point where he/she cannot sustain an argument and it also shows that the leader has run short of ideas. It also shows that the leader's reservoir for knowledge is depleted by lack of consistent reading of the word of God. It show that the leader is drinking from stagnant water. There is  Kiswahili saying that says Debe Shinda halaichi kutika" This means an empty tin container makes noise when touched because its empty.

Another analogy that would describe people who avoid argument or just make noise by calling those who question them as stupid or nonsensical, are those leaders who do not keep abreast with matters of theology and the bible in the light of what the Holy Spirit speaks to us now. A river that makes noise is shallow but the silent part of a river which is silent is DEEP . We have no excuse whatsoever top dismiss anyone who has a different view from ours. If we the truth then let US speak the truth in love.That is what Paul is saying in these words here

  but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing THOSE THAT OPPOSE THEMSELVES; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

So we should not shy away from arguement or debate unless truelly it is not beneficail to those who hear.
Paul