2 Timothy 2:19

Why would Paul mention who this is upsetting the faith of some, and also mention how the Lord knows those who are his? Those two things seem to contract one another. If the Lord knows those who are his, it seems to imply that God will keep his own. However, Paul was talking about Hymenaeus and Philetus who are upsetting the faith of some. Perhaps those whose faith is being upset are not necessarily those who are his. Or, perhaps God will keep them even though their faith is being upset. In light of what is going on with these people who quarrel about words and deal with irreverent babble, these two truths are what Paul gives at the end of hope and encouragement. The fact that God knows those who are his is quite reassuring. It's not as if God has forgotten or lost those who are his own. God is more than able to keep his own, and he does keep his own. It's not as if people swerving from the truth are enough to topple over those who are known by God. This doesn't mean we shouldn't be wary or deal with these problems; however, it certainly is encouragement for the believer.