S: 2 Timothy 2:14,23-26 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. ... Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
O: Paul warned young pastor Timothy against becoming caught up in arguments over minutia, but in the same letter, reaffirmed the importance of correct teaching.
A: There are two extremes that one can become susceptible to with regards to right doctrine:
- Some people become so wishy-washy about doctrine that they end up diluting the Christian faith until it becomes meaningless and "just be nice to other people".
- Some people are so convinced of their doctrine that they become divisive and start excluding all sorts of other Christians just because this or that detail is different
P: Father, grow in us the ability to keep this balance. In Jesus' name, amen.
Note: this is using the SOAP method. For more information, see this page (not written by me.)
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