Watch Your Mouth!

2 Timothy 2:16-17

        Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:16-17 that those who practice "worldly" and "empty" chatter basically cause infections within the body of Christ. He states that it will spread like "gangrene." This happens because this kind of talk leads to further ungodliness. Gangrene is a very disgusting and debilitating infection that is not to be handled lightly whether it is in the physical body or, as Paul is suggesting, in the spiritual body of Christ.
        One of the worst types of gangrene is "gas" gangrene. This form of gangrene is so interesting because it thrives and grows when there is a lack of oxygen to the skin cells. Healthy tissue is full of oxygen, so this rarely happens. When this does happen this gangrene releases gas and poisons into the body, causing rapid death. Some of the tissues in a wound have already died so the infection attacks these dead cells and begins there; this occurs most in "crush" injuries. Injuries when a body part has been crushed and loss of blood flow occurs, causing lack of oxygen to the tissue.
       Paul names two people who had gone astray from the truth and who were practicing such ungodliness. These two had been spreading worldly chatter in regards to the doctrine of resurrection and other issues. Paul warns us of practicing this or even associating with those do like wise. Paul didn't just use gangrene to illustrate that it was bad, but to reveal a truth about those who are participators of this kind of talk. These people like gangrene attack the "weak" parts of the body of Christ, those who have been hurt, "crushed," in spirit.
       This worldly and empty chatter is talk that is literally pointless (βέβηλος), and lacks significant content (κενοφωνία). It is interesting to note that gangrene can happen any where in the body, but the most common places are the appendages such as the hands, feet, arms and legs. Wouldn't the devil just love to prevent the body of Christ from extending a hand and arm to the broken? Even prevent the spreading of the gospel and carrying the good news to the community? If there are no hands and feet there is no effectiveness!
       Paul is giving a warning here first, to those who are tempted to take part in such disease filled, corrupt conversations, secondly to the instigators. When the infection sets in a doctor does a few things, anti-biotic for slowing the infection down then surgery to remove the spreading of the infection. Be warned that God, the great physician, will amputate those who are infectious to the body! He will remove the infection and treat those who have been infected by the ungodliness.
       It is rare that this type of infection occurs. It’s also rare that it occurs in the Church, but once it does it spreads and may happen for years, maybe even spreading to a region. This life killing tactic of the devil seems to spread not just in churches but in communities. It is rare, but it sticks around. If you find yourself being influenced by such worldly and empty chatter, Paul says to avoid it! Do not give it any more room to take root! A physician will put the victim into a hyperbaric chamber, which pumps oxygen into a sealed environment to get life back into the cells. So you should get yourself in the word of God, pumping yourself full of truth and life.