Note 46 at 2 Tim. 2:25: Christian leaders must use humility even when correcting those who oppose them. This does not mean that there isn't a time to get tough. Paul did that (1 Cor. 5) and so did Jesus (Mt. 23). Our toughness must not be self-serving (see note 42 at v. 24, p. 1331). If we are rough with someone, it should never be because we are acting out of hurt emotions.

Note 47 at 2 Tim. 2:25: The New International Version and other translations correctly capture the idea of what Paul is saying here by translating this verse as, "Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth."

However, in a very real sense, those who come against God's leaders are opposing themselves, just as the King James Version renders it. God set authority in the church and those who shamelessly violate it are hurting themselves (Heb. 13:17).

Note 48 at 2 Tim. 2:25: Paul mentioning that "God peradventure will give them repentance" stresses the truth that true repentance has to be a work of God in a person's heart. We can't always just repent whenever we want. As Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him. . ." (Jn. 6:44). Man on his own might be sorry, but would never come to true repentance.

Does this mean that God might not extend this repentance to some people? God wants us to repent more than we want to repent. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Eze. 33:11). He wills for all men to be saved (2 Pet. 3:9). He knows our hearts better than we do. He knows the difference between a person who is sorry he was caught or sorry because of the consequences, and the person who really wants to change. We can be assured that we will seek and find the Lord when we seek for Him with all our hearts (Jer. 29:13).

Note 49 at 2 Tim. 2:25: Those who oppose themselves (v. 25), who are snared by the devil (v. 26), and taken captive by him at his will (v. 26), are in violation of the truth. God's Word is truth (Jn. 17:17). Jesus is the truth (Jn. 14:6). Therefore they are opposing Jesus, God's Word. This is the reason they need to repent (turn around) and acknowledge the truth. They were headed in an opposite direction. God's Word will keep you on track.