But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26
This passage is written to and pertains to Christians, who are servants of the Lord, that have been taken captive by the devil, to do his will of bringing in strife and division that comes from those brothers who have strayed from the truth
JLB
The word is directed to Christians to avoid being in iniquity, ( iniquity is unbelief) and listening to those who destroy the faith.
2 Timothy 2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
They are then instructed to be a vessel unto honour, to be of use to God. To follow after righteousness ( by fleeing from the devil/ fleeing youthful lusts) and to be with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
When the servant of the Lord is fully prepared( hearing all these instructions of preparation from the Lord.) then they have meekness and patience to teach, and instruct others( who are taken captive by satan at will as they do not obey/believe to flee youthful lusts.) and God may, or may not, grant them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. ( as the acknowledging of the truth is after godliness and the ungodly are incapable of confessing and are the ones who do denial in very word and breath and they require correcting on all things.)
2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the
acknowledging of the
truth which is after godliness;