Scripture:
II Timothy 2:20-26 NKJV
[20] But in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. [21] Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. [22] Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [23] But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. [24] And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, [25] in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, [26] 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.
Observation:
The two letters to Timothy are quickly becoming some of my favorites. It seems that Paul has a wonderful way with words, and his guidance for Timothy is gentle and very genuine. You can hear it in the way he writes. His desire for Timothy is that he become the best version of himself that he can. Knowing that the young man has been called by GOD to lead a church. Paul pours into him over and over throughout the two letters. Here in the second letter to Timothy chapter 2, he is preparing Timothy for the fact that some will receive the truth and some will not. Looking at what is being said, we can see that GOD has made some vessels for honor and some for dishonor, and it seems like we honestly get to choose which vessels we are. Looking at verse 21, there is evidence to support that. Paul tells young Timothy, “If anyone cleanses himself from the latter,” meaning dishonor, “He will be a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful for the master, prepared for every good work.” That’s the word that we always seem to discuss. Sanctified the definition is: to be set apart for the work of GOD… made different… reborn… made new…. not the same as the world…. honorable. Verse 22 tells us how that process happens. By fleeing youthful lusts and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the name of the LORD out of a pure heart. There seems to be a little catch at the end of that verse. Theos who call on the name of the LORD with a pure heart. What do you think that means? Maybe we can get into that in a minute. Verse 24 describes our responsibilities as a servant of the LORD. We are to be gentle and humble. Not joining in on senseless arguments that only cause divisions between churches and others who call on the name of the LORD with a pure heart. It’s our job to avoid such arrangements. Here is why I believe that statement is made. GOD wants the church to be united, not divided, and arguments over Grey areas in the bible. Just draw lines of division such as Baptist and Pentecostal and so on. But that’s a whole rabbit trail. Paul’s point is if we let GOD’S word do what it’s going to, we will all see the truth and run to or from it. There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. Now, to the last two verses, and honestly, this is where it could get a little interesting. Paul tells young Timothy to correct… But to do it with humility. Maybe GOD will grant them repentance. What is being said is don’t chase them away from what they need the most. Jesus.
Application:
We are all vessels. The question is what kind. Are we teachable, or are we too proud to take correction? When we correct someone, is it done in love, or do we do it offensively. When we allow GOD’S word to do what only GOD’S word can do. We see that a gentle spirit is the best weapon against offense. It’s not up to us to point out the wrongs of others, but we do have to speak the truth. Look, GOD’S word is able to correct rebuke and exhort. So honestly, all we have to do is speak GOD’S word and rightly divide it, not swaying from one side to the other. The thing is, people have the choice of what kind of vessels they want to be. You can be a good example or a bad example. It’s your choice. The sanctification process is up to you. The thing to remember is that GOD chose you. HE has called you and given you influence. On those around you. How are you going to use it? Are you going to be a vessel that allows GOD’S word to sanctify you for honorable use… being a doer of the word and not a hearer only? As for me, I want my life to bring GOD the utmost glory. I want to influence people in a positive direction. I have led enough people astray. GOD’S word and the way it is written gives us a choice. Deuteronomy 30:19 gives us that right. We have free will. The question is, will you allow yourself to be changed. Will you pit the old man to death and allow your new man to live. Or will you take the name of the LORD in vain. Allowing the enemy to work through you. I want GOD’S word to change me to make me more like HIS son. To sanctify me. I d9nt want the old man anymore.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you are able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. We know that your word is a road map for life. We pray that we rightly divide it. That we use it to change our behavior rather than justify it. We know that we can cling to our sins if we want to, but we don’t want that old man. We pray that we would lay him in the grave… putting him to death once and for all. We have been risen to new life. Risen to be sanctified. In the mighty name of Jesus. Set us apart so that the influence we have brings others to the kingdom. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.