What would it be like to be held captive by the devil to do his will?
We might think of the demon possessed in Scripture who wandered among the tombs. Or, some sinister being lurking around in the darkness.
Sadly, this person is just as likely to be found in the church. Paul describes him to Timothy. He is a quarrelsome person. He (or she) stands in the way of ministry, through gossip, wronging others without merit. They are trapped in a snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, to do his will.
We never think of those in the church as doing the will of the devil. Yet, some do. They stand in opposition, not by dialoging with those with whom they disagree but rather by means of gossip. The opposed is not given an ability to defend himself, for gossip is done in secret and stimulates the sinful nature of man.
And the Lord's bond-servant must not strive but be kind (gentle) to all (Rom. 2:4), able to teach, patient when wronged (enduring evil), with gentleness correcting (to train or chastise, as a child) those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance (to rethink-this is granted by God) leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26
