2 Timothy 2:22-26

[JimfromOhio]

22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Around the forum, most of us were functioning in the flesh because God doesn't produce fear, intimidation, timidity. Reading Timothy tells me that Timothy got tired of taking all the flack and the abuse. He was basically arguing with the philosophers and the religionists and the God haters. Timothy was becoming defensive and fighting, argumentative.

Paul wrote:

24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

We just need to avoid discussing vain issues and focus on our beliefs and be diligent sharing our beliefs without any concern of others who will disagree with you. Our normal reaction is to be defensive when we're provoked while we have to remember that most important to us is who we are that we are to defend God and our beliefs.

Many times I come across people's beliefs that I really disagree with, I just say my thoughts and then leave them to God who does the convicting. Remember whene Jesus hung on the cross bearing the sin of mankind, people were spitting at Him and mocking Him. Yet He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34) Jesus was characterized by humility, which produces meekness and patience.

If the world could see a clear picture of Jesus Christ through us Christian who are united in faith while divided by doctrines be humble, meek, and patient, then whatever we share our beliefs, God will handle the convictions. I have learned that it is not my role to "convict" anyone here but to share my beliefs without shame.

The BEST Evangelist and Teacher is the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ and as we talk (post), the Holy Spirit will work in each person's heart to be convicted.

We must remember that we share while the Holy Spirit does the REAL work.

 

[RedTulipMom]

some great advice..and thanks for the scriptures..very convicting. I pretty much stay away from debate for the most part..but the few occasions when i go in those sections..the above advice will be heeded by me! There is way to much quarrelling, bickering, backbiting, insulting going on in the forums here and its definitely fleshly and not walking in the spirit..which is giving christianity a bad name unfortunately. Thanks for the godly wisdom.