主的仆人
提摩太后书二章14至25节
14你要使众人回想这些事，在主面前嘱咐他们：不可为言语争辩，这是没有益处的，只能败坏听见的人。
15你当竭力在神面前得蒙喜悦，作无愧的工人，按着正意分解真理的道。
16但要远避世俗的虚谈，因为这等人必进到更不敬虔的地步。
17他们的话如同毒疮，越烂越大；其中有许米乃和腓理徒，
18他们偏离了真道，说复活的事已过，就败坏好些人的信心。
19然而，神坚固的根基立住了。上面有这印记说：“主认识谁是他的人。”又说：“凡称呼主名的人总要离开不义。”
20在大户人家，不但有金器银器，也有木器瓦器；有作为贵重的，有作为卑贱的。
21人若自洁，脱离卑贱的事，就必作贵重的器皿，成为圣洁，合乎主用，预备行各样的善事。
22你要逃避少年的私欲，同那清心祷告主的人追求公义、信德、仁爱、和平。
23惟有那愚拙无学问的辩论，总要弃绝，因为知道这等事是起争竞的。
24然而主的仆人不可争竞；只要温温和和地待众人，善于教导，存心忍耐，
25用温柔劝戒那抵挡的人，或者神给他们悔改的心，可以明白真道，
信息分享
第19节应许说：「主认识谁是祂的人。」这句话可以从不同方面去理解。首先，让每个信徒都可以放心信靠主；此外，还能带来安慰。当有挚爱亲人离世的时候，我们或许不晓得他曾否决志信主，但如果他们任何时间作过决定，主却知道，我们必要交托。
接着，保罗又再回到之前的章节中所用到的比喻。这次他将信徒比喻为家中的器皿，指出不管器皿是用甚么做成，都是为了给主人使用。显然，如果神要用我们，我们必须清洁以随时可供祂所用。保罗在第21节指出，成为圣洁，合乎主用，是我们的义务。这对我们是极有力的提醒。
继第22至23节的教导之后，保罗在第24节清楚指出主的仆人「不可争竞」。倘若所有信徒都愿意听从这里的教导，我们的教会一定非常融洽和谐。「主的仆人不可争竞。」「争竞」也可解作「争吵」或「引起争端」。许多教会和宣教组织都是因为某人或少数人要坚持己见，而最终造成分裂。
保罗为主的仆人勾划了一幅美好的图画：和善待人、善于教导、不容易动怒，且能温柔地教诲那些攻击他的人。我们当中很少人能够达致这个标准，不过，这却是基督在世时的表现。祂的仆人岂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?