Christian Arguments (II Timothy 2:23-26) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Matter
II. The Manner
III. The Hope
John Calvin: "There will be no room for instruction if the servants of the Lord have not moderation and some equability of temper. What limit will be observed by a teacher, when he is warmed for fighting? ... The importunity of some men may sometimes produce either irritation or weariness; and for that reason he adds, ‘bearing with them’ … because a godly teacher ought ever to try whether it be possible for him to bring back to the right path obstinate and rebellious persons, which cannot be done without the exercise of gentleness … even towards the most unworthy we must exercise meekness … Since the conversion of a man is in the hand of God, who knows whether they who today appear to be unteachable shall be suddenly changed by the power of God, into other men? Thus, whoever shall consider that repentance is the gift and work of God, will cherish more earnest hope, and, encouraged by this confidence, will bestow more toil and exertion for the instruction of rebels. We should view it thus, that our duty is, to be employed in sowing and watering, and, while we do this, we must look for the increase from God. Our labors and exertions are thus of no advantage in themselves; and yet, through the grace of God, they are not fruitless" (Comm. on II Tim. 2:24-25).