THE LORD'S SERVANT Anticipating the Work of God

2 Timothy 2:23–26 (ESV) — 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:23–26 ESV

23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

I. HOW ARE WE TO RELATE TO OPPONENTS?

2 Timothy 2:24–25a (ESV) —24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness.

2 Timothy 2:24–25a ESV

24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

We are not to be a quarrelsome people.

We are to be kind to everyone, and we are to correct opponents with gentleness.

“True kindness is Spirit-produced; that is, it is supernatural. It is a generous orientation of our hearts toward people regardless of whether they deserve it.” Long, Blake. Gospel Smugness: Displaying Christlike Character in Evangelism (p. 21). Theology & Life. Kindle Edition.

Correcting with gentleness.

“Being gentle doesn’t mean be cowardly or timid in evangelism. Not in the slightest. It does, however, mean not reacting explosively to disagreement. It means letting insults go in one ear and out the other. It means we should bleed mercy. When pricked, grace and mercy must spill out—that is gentleness.” Long, Blake. Gospel Smugness: Displaying Christlike Character in Evangelism (p. 21). Theology & Life. Kindle Edition.

“Argumentation doesn’t lead anybody to see the beauty of Jesus. Additionally, being kind means swallowing our pride and not succumbing to the temptation of having the last word.” Long, Blake. Gospel Smugness: Displaying Christlike Character in Evangelism (p. 21). Theology & Life. Kindle Edition.

Titus 3:2 (ESV) — 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Titus 3:2 ESV

2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) — 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

II. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DEAL WITH OTHERS IN THIS MANNER?

2 Timothy 2:25b–26 (ESV) —25b…God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:25b–26 ESV

26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

It shows whether we believe God’s word:

Romans 2:4 (ESV) — 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 ESV

4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Acts 16:13–14 (ESV) — 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

Acts 16:13–14 ESV

13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

Acts 11:18 (ESV) — 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Acts 11:18 ESV

18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”