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In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Note 46 at 2Ti 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 (1Co 5) and so did Jesus (Mt 23). The leaders' toughness must not be self-serving (see note 42 at 2Ti 2:24). If they are rough with others, it should never be because they are acting out of hurt emotions.
Note 47 at 2Ti 2:25: The New International Version, and other translations, correctly capture the idea of what Paul was 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 2Ti 2:25: Paul's mentioning that "God peradventure will give them repentance" stresses the truth that true repentance has to be a work of God in people's hearts. People can't always just repent whenever they want. As Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him" (Joh 6:44). People, on their 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 people to repent more than they want to repent. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Eze 33:11). He wills for all to be saved (2Pe 3:9). He knows people's hearts better than they do. He knows the difference between those who are sorry they were caught or sorry because of the consequences, and those who really want to change. People can be assured that they will seek and find the Lord when they seek for Him with all their hearts (Jer 29:13).
Note 49 at 2Ti 2:25: Those who oppose themselves (this verse), who are snared by the devil (2Ti 2:26), and taken captive by him at his will (2Ti 2:26) are in violation of the Truth. God's Word is Truth (Joh 17:17). Jesus is the Truth (Joh 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 people on track.