Reading
SAA Notes
Verse 2 is Paul’s recipe for spiritual reproduction – teach reliable disciples so that they, in turn, can teach a new generation of reliable disciples, who in their turn can repeat the teaching. Pray for each other that we might be such disciples.
SJA Notes
* Dear Lord, please write Your word on the tablet of our hearts today.
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.”
This is the hardest of words.
How hard it is when we are working for the Lord, pouring ourselves out – And someone starts attacking us, ascribing untrue motivations.
We are in the right!
What does God’s word have, but a hard word.
Be kind to everyone (not just some).
Patiently endure evil (endure).
Correct opponents with gentleness (not fire).
Let us heed Paul’s exhortation to think over what he says, for the Lord will give us understanding in everything.
* God Above,
It can be so hard to behave as You want us to, in the righteousness of Christ, reflecting Your holiness to those around.
It can be difficult to keep our temper, to keep our eyes from sin, our thoughts, our words and deeds.
Please Lord God, please fix our eyes on You. Remind us of glory.
Mark us as a gentle people, kind and able to patiently endure evil.
Amen.