2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2Ti 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Most take Paul's instruction to Timothy at face value as to how to deal with contentious believers. However, embedded in this is an idea that we should make sure we are not the one in the snare. For us to examine ourselves, true humility is essential.
Many come to teaching through exposure to a denominational seminary where one is presented with a "package" of doctrine that is not to be questioned. However, questioning is essential to learning and growth.
Self-reflection and questioning are not often considered because we can be resolute in our belief. This is the key to a snare. Jesus warned his disciples against hypocrisy not so much as being deceptive was wrong, but more that self-deception was a prison from which one seldom escapes.
The snares Satan has used often have our vulnerability to the flesh as critical to keeping us captive. One measure of this is the degree to which we manifest pride and vanity. If we respond to others with contempt or mockery do we not show our own self-righteousness.
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2Ti 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Most take Paul's instruction to Timothy at face value as to how to deal with contentious believers. However, embedded in this is an idea that we should make sure we are not the one in the snare. For us to examine ourselves, true humility is essential.
Many come to teaching through exposure to a denominational seminary where one is presented with a "package" of doctrine that is not to be questioned. However, questioning is essential to learning and growth.
Self-reflection and questioning are not often considered because we can be resolute in our belief. This is the key to a snare. Jesus warned his disciples against hypocrisy not so much as being deceptive was wrong, but more that self-deception was a prison from which one seldom escapes.
The snares Satan has used often have our vulnerability to the flesh as critical to keeping us captive. One measure of this is the degree to which we manifest pride and vanity. If we respond to others with contempt or mockery do we not show our own self-righteousness.
