2 Timothy 2:25a In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves
When I was younger, I wanted to enjoy life to the fullest, chasing whatever seemed fun at the moment. I thought pleasure would bring happiness. This mindset is called hedonism, the belief that seeking pleasure is the highest good. But even as I pursued what I thought would satisfy me, I often found myself empty and troubled, wondering why I didn’t feel the joy I was chasing.
What I didn’t realize was that I was actually opposing myself, as Paul described in 2 Timothy 2:25. He speaks of those who “oppose themselves,” meaning they are working against their own well-being. It’s when a person’s choices, though they seem beneficial, lead to harm instead. How often do we make decisions, thinking they will bring us peace or joy, only to find they lead to pain and regret? We hurt ourselves without even realizing it. We convince ourselves we’re doing good, but we are walking down a path of harm.
Sheep, for example, will sometimes wander away from the flock in search of “better” pasture, only to become vulnerable to predators. They think they’re finding something good, but in reality, they’re walking into danger. This must be how God sees us sometimes—watching as we go our own way, even when He knows the path leads to destruction.
We see this “opposing ourselves” in so many areas of life. People drink to relax but find themselves bound by addiction. We act recklessly, harming our health. We neglect our families, pursuing wealth but losing what truly matters. We entertain ourselves with things that slowly corrupt our hearts and minds. We lie, cheat and steal for pennies, destroying our relationships. This is the pull of lust, drawing us like moths to a flame. It’s destructive, yet we chase it time and again, convinced it will fulfill us.
So, how do we break free from this cycle? Scripture tells us that the answer is to die to self. Jesus calls us to “deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him” (Luke 9:23). In Galatians 2:20, Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” This means we surrender our own desires and let Christ guide us.
In Romans 6:6, Paul explains that “our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” When we die to self, we are set free from the cycle of self-harm and begin to live the life God intended. It’s a life that doesn’t chase fleeting pleasure but seeks the lasting joy found in obedience to God.
When we give up our own desires, we find true freedom. We stop opposing ourselves and start living in harmony with God’s purpose. It’s then that we find real peace and satisfaction, far beyond anything the world’s fleeting pleasures could ever offer.
