主的僕人
提摩太後書二章14至25節
14你要使眾人回想這些事，在主面前囑咐他們：不可為言語爭辯，這是沒有益處的，只能敗壞聽見的人。
15你當竭力在神面前得蒙喜悅，作無愧的工人，按著正意分解真理的道。
16但要遠避世俗的虛談，因為這等人必進到更不敬虔的地步。
17他們的話如同毒瘡，越爛越大；其中有許米乃和腓理徒，
18他們偏離了真道，說復活的事已過，就敗壞好些人的信心。
19然而，神堅固的根基立住了。上面有這印記說：“主認識誰是他的人。”又說：“凡稱呼主名的人總要離開不義。”
20在大戶人家，不但有金器銀器，也有木器瓦器；有作為貴重的，有作為卑賤的。
21人若自潔，脫離卑賤的事，就必作貴重的器皿，成為聖潔，合乎主用，預備行各樣的善事。
22你要逃避少年的私慾，同那清心禱告主的人追求公義、信德、仁愛、和平。
23惟有那愚拙無學問的辯論，總要棄絕，因為知道這等事是起爭競的。
24然而主的僕人不可爭競；只要溫溫和和地待眾人，善於教導，存心忍耐，
25用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人，或者神給他們悔改的心，可以明白真道，
信息分享
第19節應許說：「主認識誰是祂的人。」這句話可以從不同方面去理解。首先，讓每個信徒都可以放心信靠主；此外，還能帶來安慰。當有摯愛親人離世的時候，我們或許不曉得他曾否決志信主，但如果他們任何時間作過決定，主卻知道，我們必要交托。
接著，保羅又再回到之前的章節中所用到的比喻。這次他將信徒比喻為家中的器皿，指出不管器皿是用甚麼做成，都是為了給主人使用。顯然，如果神要用我們，我們必須清潔以隨時可供祂所用。保羅在第21節指出，成為聖潔，合乎主用，是我們的義務。這對我們是極有力的提醒。
繼第22至23節的教導之後，保羅在第24節清楚指出主的僕人「不可爭競」。倘若所有信徒都願意聽從這裡的教導，我們的教會一定非常融洽和諧。「主的仆人不可爭競。」「爭競」也可解作「爭吵」或「引起爭端」。許多教會和宣教組織都是因為某人或少數人要堅持己見，而最終造成分裂。
保羅為主的僕人勾劃了一幅美好的圖畫：和善待人、善於教導、不容易動怒，且能溫柔地教誨那些攻擊他的人。我們當中很少人能夠達致這個標準，不過，這卻是基督在世時的表現。祂的僕人豈能不在各方面效法祂呢？
THE LORD’S SERVANT
2 Timothy 2: 14-25
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
Message
Then verse 19 contains the assuring phrase – “The Lord knows those who are His.” Those words can be taken in many different ways. They can speak assurance to every believer. They can also bring comfort when a loved one has passed away and we do not know if they ever accepted Christ. God knows if they did at any time and we have to leave it there.
Next Paul returns to his figures of speech seen earlier in the chapter. Now he likens believers to vessels used in a household. The point he makes is that no matter what the vessel is made of, it must always be ready for the master of the household’s use. Obviously if God is going to use us, we need to be clean and available for His use. In verse 21 Paul clearly states that it is our responsibility to be cleansed and ready. Those are strong words to us all.
After further varied instructions in verses 22-23, Paul lays down a clear statement on the behaviour of the Lord’s servant. How much better off our churches would be if all the members could listen to these words, “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel.” The word actually means “to make war”. Many times churches have been divided; missionary societies and other groups have been splintered simply because one person or group wants to have his or their own way.
It is a beautiful picture Paul gives of the Lord’s servant, kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful, gently instructing those who oppose him. Very few of us have ever come up to that standard but that is what Christ was like while here on earth. Why shouldn’t His servants be more like Him in every way?