I believe it is, because that is how many learn. But with the right attitude.
Quote:
Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Disputing----middle from <G1223> (dia) and <G3004> (lego); to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation) :- dispute, preach (unto), reason (with), speak.
Quote:
2 Timothy 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Quote:
19. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
If you notice the highlighted word above, that is the Greek word eris, and it means:contention, strife, wrangling
Wrangling, in particular means to quarrel or brawl. If neither party refuses to give quarter and let the fight go, it usually ends up with a termination of the friendship, something obvious contrary to the will of God, hence why it's a work of the flesh that interferes with one's ability to inherit the kingdom of God.
Eris is likewise translated as strife, debate, and contention (at least in the KJV).
You'll note, too, that in 2 Corinthians 12:20, both "debates" and "strifes" are present, but only "debates" is eris. "Strifes" is from a related word eritheia, meaning a partisan and fractious effort to jockey/politic for office or position, always in an immoral way.
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For anyone devoted to His fear:
If there is a genuine desire to learn and grow in knowledge of the Word of God, I believe discussion and debate are entirely worthwhile.
However, if the desire is to simply push one's personal belief or doctrine onto someone else, or to simply just debate for the fun of it, it is probably not worthwhile continuing the discussion.
I believe that is what Paul was admonishing Timothy to do, to not engage in discussion if the desire and intent was not for edification and more knowledge of the Lord.
If there is a genuine desire to learn and grow in knowledge of the Word of God, I believe discussion and debate are entirely worthwhile.
However, if the desire is to simply push one's personal belief or doctrine onto someone else, or to simply just debate for the fun of it, it is probably not worthwhile continuing the discussion.
I believe that is what Paul was admonishing Timothy to do, to not engage in discussion if the desire and intent was not for edification and more knowledge of the Lord.
Right! Jesus was constantly debating the Pharisees. The only way to avoid debate, is to be with people that believe exactly the same.
That is why Peter and Paul, when preaching in a public place had to debate the very ones that could and did arrest them.
If we stand for Truth, contend for the faith, we will find ourselves in many debates. And we better know our Bible, and be solid in what we believe.
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