We are to continually remind people of the truth. Sound doctrine will always come under attack, for truth does matter. Therefore we have to consistently fight for the truth. At the same time we need to beware of getting obsessed with minutiae. There are things that really do not matter, and getting obsessed with them at best does no good, at worst causes serious damage. So wisdom is needed here, for those who argue about "words" will always say that what they are obsessed about is vitally important.
As leaders we need to train ourselves as people who "handle the word of God correctly". We present ourselves to God and should be worthy of respect. We also need to beware of "godless chatter", or perhaps we should use the word "godless banter" today. What we say does matter and does have an effect. False teaching can spread like a disease, and Paul mentions two contemporary examples. They claimed the resurrection had already taken place, and some believed them. Similarly today there are those who say the resurrection was purely spiritual, and there some who believe them. But the truth remains, whatever supposedly clever people mike claim. Note also the instruction to turn away from wickedness.
We should seek to be used by God for special purposes, and we achieve this by cleansing ourselves, ie living lives worthy of respect. Note that "special purposes" involved being "prepared to do any good work". It does not mean purposes that will make us popular or well known. Some tasks will be difficult, involve suffering, and bring persecution.
We are to flee the evil desires of youth. Some of us have advanced somewhat beyond that stage, but we need to beware the effect of our hormones! Part of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control.
Timothy is again reminded to avoid silly arguments. At the same time he is to correct people gently. The aim is not to defeat people in argument, but to see them come to repentance.
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