Young People's Group

Learning to Correct Those in Opposition with Truth

by Mitchell Tan
October 06, 2017

THE WORK OF CORRECTION

Corrective work is an important part of the ministry of the servants of God. They must know how to go about doing this work with a right disposition and a right approach. This was something that Paul wrote to Timothy about.

“In humility correcting those who are in opposition”
2 Timothy 2:25

The word “Correcting” in Greek is the word “paideuó”. It means to discipline or to chasten. It has the idea of a child being corrected as he is growing up. Another word is also used to describe how the Scriptures are to be used to correct people to live righteously (2 Timothy 3:16). False doctrines and worldly idea can affect some in Churches. The challenge is for the servant of God to correct those in opposition with meekness and humility.

THE REASONS FOR CORRECTION

1. RESCUING THOSE WHO ARE DECEIVED BY THE EVIL ONE

“And escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:26

When people follow after false ideas, they can end up being ensnared by the evil one. They can be deceived into doing things that are according to the will of the devil. The servant of God can be the means by which people can be rescued from the clutches of the evil one.

2. HOPING THAT GOD CAN STILL WORK IN THEIR HEARTS

“If God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth”
2 Timothy 2:25

We must also seek to do this work of correction because God might just work in the heart of those who are in opposition. By His mercies and grace, He might perhaps grant these people repentance. We do not know whether these people would respond or not. Our challenge is to tell those in opposition that they are wrong.

THE WAY TO CORRECT THOSE 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”
2 Timothy 2:25-26

1. HUMBLY CORRECT THOSE WHO ARE WRONG

Our part is to correct with humility yet with firmness.

2. EXPLAIN TO THEM THE TRUTH FROM GOD’S WORD

It is only through the truth of God’s word that people can see where they have been deceived

3. PRAY THAT THE LORD WOULD OPEN THEIR UNDERSTANDING

We are to also pray that these people will come to their spiritual senses through the Lord’s grace.

4. HOPE THAT THEY WOULD RESPOND IN THE RIGHT WAY

Ultimately, we can only do our part and hopefully, these people would also respond appropriately. Let’s do all we can to help them escape the snare of the devil.

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