Tag: 2nd Timothy 2:24-26
Win them with kindness!
Scripture reading for October 3rd: Isaiah 22-24, 2nd Timothy 2
Key Scriptures: 2nd Timothy 2:24-26 “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”
Paul reinforces the traits that God’s servants must exhibit to make it possible for the Lord to reach those who are lost. The lost inhabitants of earth are in a trap set by Satan and captured by him. Repentance is their only hope of escape. Kindness, gentleness, and sound teaching offers the best possibility for their repentance and entrance into the heavenly kingdom.
Isaiah 24:17-18 “Terror and the pit and the snare are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth! He who flees at the sound of the terror shall fall into the pit, and he who climbs out of the pit shall be caught in the snare. For the windows of heaven are opened, and the foundations of the earth tremble.”
Prayer: Lord, as a member of Your kingdom, let me show kindness and gentleness to the lost inhabitants of earth that they may escape the snare of the devil and escape judgment by repentance. Amen!
Thankful for devoted teachers!
Scripture reading for May 5th: Ezra 4-7
Key Scriptures: Ezra 7:9-10 “He (Ezra) had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
Ezra, the priest, was a devoted student and teacher of God’s Law. He also diligently observed it as part of his teaching, setting a good example. As a result, God’s hand was upon him and he was called by God to return from Babylon and assist in the rebuilding of the temple of the Lord.
Thankful for diligent teachers: “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2nd Timothy 2:24-26)