Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
March 26, 2023

Dealing with the Opposition
by Bryan Gibson
This is the Lord’s way: “(23) But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. (24) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, (25) in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, (26) 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” (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
What We Can Know
We can “know the truth” (v. 25) and therefore know when others are in opposition to the truth. We might even discover that we’re in opposition to the truth.
The Condition of the Opposition
It’s a serious, life-threatening condition—for any and all opposed to the truth. They’re not thinking straight, which is why they need to “come to their senses” (v. 26). They’re not helpless victims, but they are in the devil’s snare, doing the devil’s will, and they will stay that way if they don’t receive correction (v. 26). And the more they realize the seriousness of their condition, the more likely they are to receive this correction.
God’s “Go Ahead”
Man says “judge not,” be more tolerant; God says correct (v. 25). His commandment compels us, but so does love—for God, for the truth, and for those in opposition.
The Goal of Correction
It’s not to “outquarrel” the opposition (v. 24), or to simply win an argument. It’s not to display our brilliance, or intimidate them into giving up their opposition. Carnal weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4) have no place in this important work. The goal is to free them from Satan’s snare, and the only thing that can do that is the truth (vv. 25-26).
The Attitude Used in Correction
Do it in humility (v. 25), because after all, everything we know we learned from God (1 Thessalonians 4:9). And, it may be that we were once in the same condition as our opponent. Do it with patience (v. 24), understanding among other things that the opponent may be hearing the truth for the first time, that he may have heard nothing but error his entire life. Long, careful study may be required, which takes a lot of patience. And do it with gentleness (24). Use sharpness (2 Corinthians 13:10; Titus 1:13-14) in situations which call for it, but not in EVERY situation. It’s hard to correct someone in opposition to the truth when the same could be said of our attitudes.
Ready, Willing, and ABLE
Correcting those in opposition to the truth is a noble work, a soul saving work; but it can only be accomplished by those “able to teach” (v. 24), by those thoroughly acquainted with the truth themselves. No need to leave it entirely to others when you can be a teacher yourself. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers…” (Hebrews 5:12).

“He who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30)

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.