What are the Christian’s responsibilities in bringing correction?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 6, Restore with Gentleness, Questions 19-20, p. 90
As a child of God, comprehending the responsibilities of the Lord’s servant is crucial for spiritual growth and effective ministry. This understanding is beautifully encapsulated in 2 Timothy 2:24-26, which states:
"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."
Responsibilities of the Lord’s Servant
The passage outlines several key responsibilities for the Lord’s servant (that's you and I):
1. Non-Quarrelsome Nature
A central duty of the Lord’s servant is to avoid engaging in disputes. Quarrels often lead to discord and division, detracting from the message of peace and love that Christianity seeks to promote.
2. Kindness to Everyone
Kindness is a fundamental trait that must be exhibited towards all individuals. This universal kindness reflects the unconditional love that God extends to humanity.
3. Teaching Ability
Being able to teach is another critical responsibility. Teaching the word of God requires clarity, wisdom, and patience, ensuring that the teachings are understood and embraced by others. It's important here to understand that we also teach by our example to others.
4. Patience in Enduring Evil
Enduring evil with patience is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Lord’s servant. It involves facing adversities with a calm and composed spirit, trusting in God’s ultimate plan. We quote ESV here, but in NIV, this phrase is "not resentful."
5. Gentle Correction
When correcting opponents, it must be done with gentleness. This approach fosters understanding and reconciliation, rather than fostering animosity.
God’s Responsibility
While the Lord’s servant has significant responsibilities, it is vital to recognize what falls under God's domain, and therefore not ours:
1. Granting Repentance
The passage reveals that it is God who grants repentance. Only God leads individuals to acknowledge the truth and turn away from sin. It is not within the servant’s power to force repentance; rather, they can only guide and teach.
2. Deliverance from Evil
Ultimately, it is God who enables individuals to escape from the snare of the devil. The transformation from captivity to freedom is a divine intervention, underscoring God's omnipotence and grace.
The responsibilities of the Lord’s servant and God’s roles are distinct yet complementary. Understanding these distinctions can enhance one’s spiritual journey, fostering a deeper reliance on God’s power while diligently fulfilling our duties as God's children.
For those times we forget this distinction, believing that it is our job to change their hearts, we can remember the promise of Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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