2 Timothy 2:24–26

Memory Verse

And it is necessary for a servant of the Lord not to be quarrelsome, but to be gentle toward all, able to teach, bearing wrong without resentment, in objectivity of mind child-training those who oppose themselves if at some time God may give to them a change of mind unto a full experiential knowledge of truth and they may come to their senses out from the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do that one’s desirous will (2 Timothy 2:24–25).

Satan’s desire is for us to act independently from God. Therefore, he pushes heresy in the assemblies through his ministers—those who seek to persuade Christians toward self-effort, works, and many improper and harmful practices based on fables rather than truth.

Paul’s exhortation is directed to pastors, but all of us can learn from it. We must be consistent in speaking the truth—not harshly, but with gentleness and an objective frame of mind—so that through our steadfastness and continual reference to the truth, those ensnared may recognize their error and change their minds.