Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Dealing with Opposition

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 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… 2 Timothy 2:22-25 ESV

Note Paul’s admonitions to his son in the faith, Timothy. He instructs Timothy to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness – run from the flesh and run to Christlikeness. And Timothy is told to align himself with those of like heart.

Paul’s second warning is to avoid at all cost – have nothing to do with foolish controversies. These types of interactions only breed quarrels and fights and result in little good. But also note that after reminding Timothy to avoid quarrels and ignorant controversies, he instructs him in how to handle such. It seems that some things can’t be avoided all the time. Don’t be quarrelsome he says – in other words, don’t go looking for a fight. But when it comes, here’s how to handle yourself.

First, you must be kind and gentle in your responses. You are to instruct those who oppose you and patiently correct them in their error. Note that Paul refers to these people as ‘opponents’ or ‘those who are in opposition.’ They are entrapped in evil and Timothy is to deal with them in such a way that they repent of their evil and find the truth.

Remember to respond, don’t react. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. The goal in handling opposition is not to ‘win’ but to be obedient to Christ.