The problems with false teachers are many and diverse. They should be identified, silenced, kept out of the assembly, but also confronted in a manner that may bring them into the truth that they have maligned.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."
Wickedness is being evil, unrighteous, and unholy which is the opposite of what Jehovah has called all of us to become. This is not a simple matter of being confused or slightly in error. Compromising the truth is in itself a sin. What has truth to do with lies?
2:20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
So here we read some of the good news, that is we can be cleansed from wickedness. There is hope for everyone, even false teachers. But there first has to be the truthful recognition of our problem and then a resolve to repent and be cleansed. How is this to be done?
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,
5:26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
5:27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.
The very words of Jehovah are by themselves cleansing to those who desire to obey them. The Holy Spirit is, of course, also required in this endeavor to pursue holiness.
2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
The first step is to forsake or flee from those things that have trapped us in our sinfulness. In order to be a clean vessel for Jehovah, we must first empty ourselves.
2:24 The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
Here is just one of the many passages describing what type of behavior is fitting for a true teachers.
2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
2:26 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.
While Paul confronted many who were not true teachers, he still admonished Timothy to gently correct all false doctrines and misinterpretations. You will rarely win any argument by increasing the volume of your rebuttals.
These false teachers are being held captive by their father, the devil. Therefore, having pity on them is important as a first step in guiding them to the truth of the very words of Jehovah.
More next Saturday.