2 Timothy 2:24-26 The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
While it is always essential to place a statement in its context, it is especially critical to place 2 Timothy 2:24-26 in context. Paul knew that his execution was a certainty (2 Timothy 4:6). He and Timothy maintained a close relationship through years of mission companionship (2 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10,11; Philippians 2:19,20). Paul knew his execution would be a horrible time for Timothy [what an understatement!]. He did not want his death to discourage Timothy as a Christian or a missionary (2 Timothy 1:7-14;2:1-3; 3:14,15; 4:1,2). In no way did Paul indicate Timothy's continued dedication would be without physical costs (consider 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 3:1-13; 4:3-5). He wanted Timothy to continue as a Christian evangelist in spite of serious discouragement!
This statement occurred in a letter occasioned by Paul's eminent death. It occurred in a letter that acknowledged future situations would be stressful and physically demanding for Timothy. It occurred among acknowledgments that God's enemies would achieve significant "victories" in their opposition to Christ--Paul's death and Timothy's hardships!
First, find significance in what Paul did not say to Timothy. He did not say, "Do as much personal damage to my enemies as possible!" Or, "When they get rid of me, make them pay a price!" Or, "Take vengeance on those responsible for my death in any way you can!" Or, "Make my opponents regret the day they succeeded in having me imprisoned!" Paul did not urge Timothy to vindictively react against his enemies, Timothy's enemies, or Christ's enemies.
Realize Timothy, in those circumstances, easily could be incited to hate, to seek vengeance, and to hold Paul's enemies accountable. Realize, in those circumstances, Paul easily could have wanted them to pay. In fact, the pre-Christian Paul easily could have viewed the situation from a vengeful mind set! By killing him these people opposed God! (Remember 1 Timothy 1:12, 13?)
Second, find significance in what Paul said. The statement under consideration was to serve as a focus statement for Timothy. Paul wanted to be certain that coming events would not distract Timothy from his Christian focus as a representative of the "called out."
Timothy [as is always true of committed Christians] understood he was, by personal choice, the Lord's slave. Paul emphasized the character traits of one who is God's slave. (a) Instead of quarreling, he is kind to all. (b) He is able to teach [he can understandably explain his convictions and concepts]. (c) He is patient when he is wronged. (d) He is gentle when he corrects.
The basic problem the "called out" confront is created by those who reject their message and relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not created by those in agreement with their message and relationship with Jesus Christ. The challenge is, "How do I react to those who oppose me?" It is not, "How do I react to those who agree with me?" As always, the enemy causes the problem.
In most life contexts, from economics to war, an enemy is to be controlled or destroyed. In the physical world, the person who does not take measures to control or destroy his/her enemies is a foolish person. Not only is he/she foolish, but he/she is inviting disaster to come as a guest. At no time are we more likely to seek an enemy's destruction than when the enemy kills someone we love!
Being among God's "called out" radically changes our view of other people--even when they are enemies! Understanding # 1, "Timothy: the opposition is not against you, but against God. You may feel like they are opposing you, but they are actually opposing God."
Understanding # 2, "Timothy: the power that results in their repentance is in God, not you. No matter how gifted you are as an evangelist, the power to change hearts is God's power, not your power." If someone was not led to a knowledge of the truth about the identity of Jesus, Timothy had not failed.
Understanding # 3, "Timothy: the person who does not see the truth must come to his senses. It is never enough for you to want him/her to escape the captivity of the devil's trap. He/she must realize he/she is a captive serving the devil's will. He/she must want to escape."
The "called out" have a powerful message about the crucified, resurrected Jesus Christ. However, we must not forget this fact: we are given a powerful message, not the power to cause repentance. The power is in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. The choice to repent must be made by the captive, not the messenger.
Please also note that Timothy's response to the forces that caused Paul's death desired their repentance. Timothy, as Paul, wanted those people to escape from the devil's trap. Neither sought vengeance on those people. Both wanted those people to be rescued. God has the power to make enemies brothers! They wanted brothers, not vengeance!
The "called out" do not exist to encourage the spiritual destruction of people! They exist to rescue people--with teaching, not quarreling; in kindness, not resentment; in patience, not hostility; in gentleness, not resentment. In other words, "the called out" want to treat others as God in Christ has treated them.
Thought Questions:
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Lesson 10