Text: 2 Timothy 2:24-26

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive;  but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;  if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  

Saturday, 14^th September 2024

PRUDENCE OF THE SERPENT AND INNOCENCE OF THE DOVE

Text: 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Memory verse: Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

The prudence of the serpent and the innocence of the dove is to reprove the sin and yet love the person. We are commanded to reprove, Leviticus 19:17 “Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbour frankly so that you will not share from his guilt.” Not to reprove sin is to approve it; but this sword of reproof is a dangerous weapon, if it is not well handled, to reprove and yet love is to act both the serpent and the dove. In taking a match season to reprove another; that is, when his anger is over. For example, when God rebuked Adam, He came to him, in the cool of the day, Genesis 3:8. So, when we are to reprove any, we are to come to them when their spirits are cooler and more fit to receive a reproof. To reprove a man when he is in a passion, is to give strong drink to someone in a feverish position, it does more harm than good. By observing a suitable season, we show both prudence and holiness; we reveal discretion as well as affection.

When you reprove sin to show love to the person is when, though we tell him plainly of his sin, yet it is in mild, not provoking words. 2 Timothy 2:25, "Instructing his opponents with gentleness." Peter tells the Jews plainly of their sin in crucifying Christ, but uses persuasives and gospel promises to allure and encourage them to believe. Acts 2:23, "Him you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified"; 38, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin: for the promise is to you and to your children." Reproof is a bitter pill, and hard to swallow; therefore, we must dip it in sugar. Use those sweet mollifying expressions that others may see love coming along with the reproof. David compares reproof to oil, Psalm 141:5. Oil supplies the joints when they are hard and stiff. Our reproofs, being mixed with the oil of compassion, work most kindly and most soften stiff, obdurate hearts.

Reproving sin, yet loving the person, is when at the end of our reproof is not to scorn him, but to reclaim him. While we go to heal men's consciences, we must take heed of wounding their names. The surgeon, in opening a vein, shows both skill and love: skill in cutting an artery, and love in letting out the bad blood. Here is the mixing of the serpent and the dove. The wisdom of the serpent is seen in not reproaching the sinner; the innocence of the dove is seen in reclaiming him from sin.

CGDS HYMN 40: SS & S 530:

WITH MY SAVIOUR EVER NEAR TO GUIDE ME

1. With my Saviour ever near to guide me,

I am safe, whatever may betide me;

From the storm and tempest He will hide me

In the hollow of His hand !

Refrain:

In the hollow ... of His hand I . . .

In the hollow ... of His hand I . . .

I am safe whatever may betide me,

In the hollow of His hand !

2. In His arms of love He doth enfold me ;

Words of peace His voice divine hath told me ;

I am safe, for God Himself doth hold me

In the hollow of His hand !

3. He will guard my soul, and leave me never;

From His love no power on earth shall sever;

And I know He'll keep me now and ever

In the hollow of His hand !

 Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, help me to maintain a balance between reproving and reclaiming the lost.

2.  LORD God Almighty, Empower me to love and not hate the lost in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.