December 10, 2012

2 Timothy 2:22-26

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Notes from Orthodox Study Bible...

vv 2: 20- 23 Heresy corrupts: bad theology leads to bad behavior. The Church on earth is a mixture of wheat and tares sown together (vv. 19–21). Membership in the Church guarantees nothing—even the baptismal confession (quoted in v. 19) acknowledges the necessity of struggle.

vv 2: 24- 26 Good theology helps us along the path to good behavior. Although the truth stands firm and unalterable and cannot tolerate the false (see 1Co 5: 1–13; 2Co 6: 14–18), it instills a reasonable patience and gentleness toward all, especially toward false teachers—while not losing sight of the fact that they are enemies and to be avoided (3: 5).

Personal Challenge...

I have been blessed to be a follower of Christ for most of my life. In that time I have seen many theologies and teachings. It has only been within the last couple of years that I have discovered that there is another perspective on living the Christian life, one that dates back to the beginning of the Christ's Church. The more I learn how to live with this perspective the more i grieve for those whom I hold dear and hold onto a doctrine that is not complete. As I look back I can now appreciate why there was always a restlessness in my spirit which has been calmed. Lord, have mercy and thank you!