By Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke.

Lesson 2: Profane and Vain Babblings “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness” (II Tim.2:16).

The ministry of false teachers has been described as that of empty words. Words are spoken, but they have no real meaning, and thus no real effect, except to hinder our experience with the Lord. “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error” (II Pet. 2:18). This is what can happen to people who listen to vain babblings, or profane speech. These types of words have the wrong impact. They cause the hearers to listen to the call of the flesh and not the leading of the Spirit.

These words are described by Peter as “great swelling words of vanity.” The image is that of large bubbles of air in water, they look big, may make noise, but are empty. Not only do these words deceive us, but they pull us away from God. These words are profane. They are unholy, unthankful, and blasphemous.

Notice the power of these vain babblings, eating as a canker according to verse 17. This has been interpreted to mean “gangrene” by some commentaries. This is an infection that spreads and destroys. It moves to other healthy parts and consumes them. So it is with “profane and vain babblings,” their influence spreads and weakens the faith within the hearts of people. Paul mentions two former followers of Christ who had “erred” from the truth. This means they departed from it. Departing from the truth in any area leads to heresy in other areas also. Apparently this tragic situation started from some false teaching in the church.

It is our responsibility to help people prepare for the judgment.

Church arguments and things like false teachings cause some to be overcome and led astray from God.

We must not allow our church to be this type of gathering. Not only did these backsliders lose their own way, they overthrew the faith of others.

We should always be aware of our influence on others.

If we cause some to walk away from the church, taking hurt feelings, the loss of faith, or the doubting of the truth, I fear we shall be brought into judgment for the misuse of our influence.

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand” (Ez. 3:18).