Views: 2<\/p>
[Note: \u00a0<\/strong>This MS is available in \u00a0<\/strong>larger font on our Brief Articles 2<\/strong> \u00a0page.]<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul urged his spiritual prot\u00e9g\u00e9 to meekly correct \u201cthem that oppose themselves\u201d (2:25). This statement is a striking one, and provokes the question, \u201cWhy would one be so foolish as to oppose himself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The uninformed reader might immediately think Paul was describing those who were contemplating suicide. However, the context reveals that Paul\u2019s reference is to certain ones who mishandled God\u2019s Word, engaged in ungodly speech, perverted the resurrection doctrine, and lived unholy lives (vv. 14\u201323). These, he declares, were opposing<\/strong> themselves<\/strong>, because all of these behaviors were contrary to their own spiritual welfare and best interests.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contextually, the apostle\u2019s meaning is that the self-opposers were working against their spiritual <\/strong>self-interests. When one gives the subject some thought, his description is an apt one for various other behaviors, including some that involve both one\u2019s physical and spiritual wellbeing. Consider:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/strong>In the final analysis, it is correct to conclude that every sin in which men engage is an exercise in self-opposition.<\/span><\/p>\n [Note:<\/strong> I wrote this article for and it appeared in the Denton Record-Chronicle, <\/em>Denton, TX, April 17, 2009].<\/span><\/p>\n Attribution:<\/strong> From thescripturecache.com<\/em>; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Views: 2[Note: \u00a0This MS is available in \u00a0larger font on our Brief Articles 2 \u00a0page.] \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul urged his spiritual prot\u00e9g\u00e9 to meekly correct \u201cthem that oppose themselves\u201d (2:25). This statement is a striking one, and…<\/p>\n\n