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The Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy as a servant of God is to stay focus on the task set before him. When carrying out the ministry in the Churches there will be distractions, headaches and hardships. He has to learn to endure and persevere because there will always be challenges. When confronted with them God Himself will give Timothy the insight to handle with grace. Timothy was to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1). He is being forewarned of the challenges he faces as a leader and the decisive manner in dealing with them often with pain and hardship.
In the context of 2 Tim. 2:24-26 where Paul cautions of the false teachers in the Churches and the people who quarrels about words (2 Tim. 2:14) and engage in godless chatter (2 Tim. 2:16). These unwholesome and unholy discussions will destroy the faith of some and their influence will be toxic and spread like gangrene. Such godless chatter is of no value to the spiritual growth of the Church and will only bring ruin to those who listen. The servant of God must “Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God” (2 Tim. 2:14). He is to point out and correct but not to engage in quarrels.
As a servant of God he is to teach, instruct and correct with kindness and gentleness especially towards those who are quarrelsome and in opposition. There is a need for an attitude of “humility and gentleness of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:1) and yet boldness in guarding and presenting the truth. Things are to be done in a manner that upholds and preserves unity as Paul told the Ephesians – “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2). Jesus likeness must prevail in all circumstances for the servant of God must make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Therefore, there is a fine balance between profitable godly discourse and foolish and godless arguments. He is to listen with patience but not be entangled in the web of deceit and error. He must trust God to reveal to him the understanding that leads to knowledge of the truth. He can use the Apostle Paul as a good example for Paul served with a clear conscience before God and man (Ref. 1 Cor. 4:4).
