Today’s devotion leads to 2 Timothy 2:23-26.
“But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:23-26.
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“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, …”. Verses 24 and 25.
When we understand “Total Depravity” of man (that is, man is dead in sin, hostile to God, and ensnared to the devil), then this understanding helps us to be kind, able to teach, patient, and gentle, because we understand that unless God grants repentance, our best preaching or best teaching will not lead to change in our audience. Thus, we don’t try too hard through our own flesh to win souls which leads to over-reaching speculations and quarrels.
Relying on this understanding and the Spirit and power of God, like Paul, we can state: “And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 