# 3 CHRISTIAN MINISTERS ACCUSING MANY PERSONS
Backfires on the Biased Subculture of
“People Who Oppose Themselves”
Just gives them More Cynical Grist for their Mill
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” St Paul 2 Timothy 2:24-26 KJV)
(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy All copyrights reserved under international copyright laws, in conjunction with AI
Paul in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 and Its Application Today
2 Timothy 2:24-26 provides a clear framework for how Christian leaders should interact with others, especially when it comes to correcting those who are in error. Here’s the passage:
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (KJV)
Key Principles in This Passage
Avoid Striving or Quarreling
Paul starts by emphasizing that the servant of the Lord must not strive. This means we should avoid needless arguments, conflicts, or aggressive debates.
Too often today, Christians fall into the trap of contentiousness—especially on social media or in theological debates. Striving, in this sense, is unproductive and dishonoring to God. It reflects a mindset that is more concerned with winning an argument or asserting personal views than with building up the Body of Christ. For modern ministry, this is a call to abandon divisive rhetoric and instead model the peace of Christ.
Gentleness and Meekness
The servant of the Lord is called to be gentle and meek. This goes against the common cultural trends where boldness and assertiveness often take priority over kindness. Today’s world encourages people to “speak their truth” in aggressive ways, but Paul’s directive here is to meet those who oppose you with gentleness and humility.
We must ask ourselves: Do we approach disagreements with the spirit of Christ? Are we more concerned about proving others wrong than guiding them toward repentance and truth? (Or to win notches on our belt to gain a possible Future Eternal Reward?)
Patience in Instruction
Paul underscores the importance of patience when teaching, particularly when those we are addressing may be resistant or in error. It’s easy to become frustrated with people who don’t understand or accept the truth, but Paul reminds us that patience is required in ministry. In the age of quick fixes and instantaneous feedback, patience seems countercultural. Yet, it is crucial for discipleship and for bringing people back to a right understanding of God’s Word.
Hope for Repentance
Paul teaches that the ultimate goal of instructing those who oppose themselves is not to prove them wrong, but to hope for their repentance. The ultimate aim is for them to acknowledge the truth and be restored. Today, when we engage in difficult conversations about theology or morality, we must keep this goal in mind. Our purpose is not to shame or humiliate, but to lead others to the knowledge of God’s truth and bring them back into alignment with Him. In a world full of “cancel culture,” this principle remains vital—seeking restoration, not condemnation, must be our priority.
Restoration and Deliverance
In verse 26, Paul explains that the purpose of instructing the opposition is to help them “recover themselves out of the snare of the devil.”
This is a reminder that sin and error are traps, and the people we engage with in disagreement may not be fully aware of the spiritual consequences of their actions. We are called to bring people to a place where they are spiritually free, liberated from the snares that bind them, whether that’s legalism, false teachings, or spiritual pride. When we confront others, it’s crucial to do so with the hope of seeing them recover, (servant leader love!) …not just “win the argument.”
Applying This Today:
In Social Media and Online Ministry:
In the age of social media, it’s easy for Christians to engage in arguments, debates, or even “drama” over theological points, church practices, or personal convictions. Paul’s teaching in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 challenges us to avoid unnecessary strife, especially online. The anonymity and ease of online communication often encourage harsh words and divisive behavior, but as servants of the Lord, we should be known for our gentleness, patience, and meekness in all interactions.
In Discipleship and Teaching:
Whether you are a pastor, leader, or anyone who seeks to guide others in the faith, Paul’s instructions about instruction are especially relevant. We are called to be patient and gentle with those who may not immediately understand or agree with the truth we are presenting. The hope is always for reconciliation and growth, not for winning a theological battle.
In Restoring Fellow Believers:
Paul’s words apply to our relationships with fellow Christians, particularly when they are in error. It is important not to adopt a harsh, judgmental attitude toward those who may be misled, but instead to be willing to patiently guide them back to the truth. This is especially critical in a time when Christians tend to publicly shame or criticize one another for doctrinal differences. Our aim should be restoration, not condemnation.
The Puzzled Dysfunctional World is Watching!
In Leadership and Public Ministry:
Leaders, especially those in high-profile positions, must model these qualities.
Leaders are not exempt from the need for gentle correction and humility. The world is watching, and a harsh, combative approach to disagreements only reinforces stereotypes of Christianity being divisive, judgmental, and hypocritical. Leaders must humbly lead with gentleness, recognizing that even the most vocal critics may need a gentle word of correction in order to experience spiritual healing.
In Evangelism:
When dealing with non-believers or those from other faiths, Paul’s approach of patient instruction and gentle correction is also critical. We should never engage in arguments for the sake of proving others wrong. Instead, we should aim to present the gospel in such a way that draws people to repentance, acknowledging the truth of Jesus Christ with grace and love.
Conclusion
In today’s world, where public shaming, character assassination, and contentious arguments dominate so much of the public discourse, the teachings of Paul in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 stand as a stark contrast. As believers and leaders, we are called to model a spirit of gentleness, patience, and hope for restoration. We must be diligent not to engage in quarrels that disrupt unity but instead seek to build up the Body of Christ in love, humility, and respect for one another.
By following Paul’s guidance, we create a culture in which correction is done with the intention of drawing people closer to Christ—not farther away. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus to a world that is increasingly divided, confused, and hostile to the gospel.
To Support
(C)2025 Taveau Creative Leadership All copyrights reserved under international copyright laws
