"Arguing Never Works"

Every Sunday morning we begin our Bible class by reading in unison these words of Paul -

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 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 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." 2 Timothy 2:23-26 NIV

Although our studies are currently centered in the book of James, quite often we never get past the words of Paul and spend the entire time talking about how this passage has spoken to various class member in the past week. Personally, I like doing that every week. This intentionally brief discussion usually lasts only about 8 to 10 minutes, but sometimes one of us will open up about a specific incident during the week that ignites a discussion that just has to happen. Maybe that is exactly what the Holy Spirit intended to happen when he inspired the weary Apostle to write these words.

Paul's words spotlight four players - (1) "the servant of the Lord" (2) "the devil"  (3) "God" (4) "those who oppose him". Obviously Timothy had encountered some stiff opposition to his ministry, maybe even to the point, like Paul, of incarceration or worse. Paul's wise words should instruct all of us who see ourselves as God's servants to view opposition through God's eyes.

Over the years I have had to step back, take some time to reflect and approach a specific situation with Paul's instructions in my heart. Learning to see God as the major player in this scene has been eye opening for me. I am a debater by nature and have quickly risen to the occasion when opposition has shown itself in my ministry.

Quarreling never achieves the will of God. Gentle instruction is sometimes really hard to get to, but it is ultimately the only way to defeat the devil. He has no defense against kindness, gentleness and a refusal to resent another's opposition. Overcoming the instinct to react defensively and prove my own superior knowledge or position or whatever, has been a pretty long journey for me. Timothy seems to have been struggling with that too, just as Paul had in his early years of ministry.

Maybe this will help -

"God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands." MSG

People all around you need the good news of God but most of them either don't know it or have some specific reason why it's just not for them. Pick out just one of those people in your life and begin to pray for the guidance of God's Spirit to give you better words than ever before. Prepare your heart for battle because that is exactly what it is but use the weapons of kindness and gentleness without even a hint of resentment. Then allow God to do the rest. He's really good at it!