Never learning
‘Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 3:7)
It’s a danger that we all face as disciples of Jesus. And perhaps those who preach and teach are especially vulnerable to this temptation. Faith can descend into a mere intellectual pursuit, where information is prized and gained, but there is no application in daily life. When that rot sets into our hearts, we will be destined to repeat the same mistakes, sins over and over. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to challenge our hearts - are there circles of repeated behaviour that have become patterns in our lives for years, even decades? Addictions don’t announce themselves, and they are often compounded by denial. We tell ourselves that we can break free and embrace obedience any time we choose, but we just don’t get around to choosing well.
The commentators on 2 Timothy 3:7:
‘This verse is not opposing education; rather, it is warning about ineffective learning. It is possible to be a perpetual student and never graduate to putting theory into practice. But honest seekers and true students look for answers. The accumulation of seminars, classes, Bible studies, and books without specific application in our daily lives can easily become our own version of what Paul was describing here. Remember this as you study God’s Word. Seek to find God’s truth and will for your life’.
Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., & Wilson, N. S. (1993). 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus (p. 210). Tyndale House Publishers.
‘Paul says that the women are “always learning” (apparently always anxious to learn something new like those in Athens who “spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas,” Acts 17:21) “but never able to acknowledge the truth” (cf. 1 Tim 2:4)’.
Moss, C. M. (1994). 1, 2 Timothy & Titus (2 Ti 3:7). College Press.
‘Some are described as “weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (vv. 6, 7). The epithet “weak-willed women” is purposely derisive, literally reading “little women.” The diminutive is not intended for women in general but describes a situation involving particular women and suggests immature, childish women’
Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 225). Crossway Books.