Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (2 Timothy 2:23-26)
Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (2 Timothy 2:23-26)
Paul is writing Timothy as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus. In preparation Paul thanks God in clear conscience and constant prayer remembering specifics about his mentee; Timothy's tears, joy of fellowship, his sincere faith, the gift of God - the spirit of power, love and self-control (not fear). (2 Timothy 1:1-7)
The testimony of our Lord is worth suffering for in God's power, He saved us, called us to a holy/pure/set-apart/unique/one-of-a-kind calling by His purpose and grace. He gives these gifts in Christ Jesus our Savior (abolished death, brought life, immortality to light through the gospel). Not ashamed because I know WHOM I have believed and I experience the Holy Spirit's faithful ministry in our lives. Follow the pattern of healthy words in the faith and love in Christ Jesus, even when those we minister to turn away (2 Timothy 1:8-18)
Paul encourages Timothy to be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus and entrust teaching to faithful men who will be able to teach others. Like a soldier, an athlete, hard-working farmer, be goal oriented: In suffering, gain understanding of Jesus Christ faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:1-13)
- Don't quarrel about words | does no good, ruins hearers
- Do your best to present yourself to God, approved after being tested
- Rightly handle the word of truth (John 16:7-15)
- Avoid irreverent babble | lead to ungodliness, spreads like gangrene/cancer, upsetting faith of some
Lord knows who are his (Num 16:5), all who belong to him must turn away from evil (Isa 52:11) (2 Timothy 2:14-19)
Keep your self holy/pure/set-apart/unique/one-of-a-kind, being ready for God's good work.
- Run from anything that stimulates lust
- Pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace
- Enjoy companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts (Psalm 1:1-6)
- Don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments
- Don't quarrel, be kind to everyone, able to teach, be patient with difficult people
Gently instruct
- Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
- to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone. (Titus 3:2)
- But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to articulate a defense to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But respond with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15)
those who oppose the truth
God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:17-21)
Perhaps God will
- who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.(1 Timothy 2:4)
(Matthew 13:1-43, 1 Cor 3:6, Ezekiel 11:29, 36:26; 1 Samuel 10:9; Jeremiah 24:7; Psalm 51:10)
Only God Can Change a Heart
Changed Heart