And the Lord’s servant must not be a man of strife: he must be kind to all, ready and able to teach: he must have patience and the ability gently to correct those who oppose his message. He must always bear in mind the possibility that God will give them a different outlook, and that they may come to know the truth. They may come to their senses and be rescued from the power of the devil by the servant of the Lord and set to work for God’s purposes. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (PHILLIPS)
How do you stand for the truth of the gospel; yet, not allow yourself to be drawn into strife? Paul, sitting in a dungeon and awaiting his own execution for preaching the gospel; is urging Timothy to patiently, gently teach the truth to those who oppose the gospel. We are not to get drawn into angry discussions; nor, bitter disputes over the word. Yes, we are to be passionate as to the truth that there is no other way of salvation but through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior; however, we are not to do so with anger or violence. We are to do just that through selfless acts of kindness, living a life that demonstrates our faith, and through cultivating our own ability to listen very closely to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Why is this so important? We must recognize that everyone we meet has an eternal soul that either will spend eternity in the presence of God or eternally in darkness. Paul said, “bear in mind the possibility that God will give them a different outlook, and that they may come to know the truth.”
With that thought ever present in the forefront of our hearts and minds, we need to remind ourselves even more diligently–“this life is not about me.” That is not an easy task. Paul was so aware of that. Earlier in this letter to Timothy, Paul began to outline how to do that by presenting these 3 exercises to perform.
1. Study the Word of God
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
There is nothing more important than this. You cannot be prepared to respond unless you study God’s word, prayerfully allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you, and burying its truth deep within your heart, mind and soul.
2. Determine to be a vessel of honor.
in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 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. 2 Timothy 2: 20-21
Oh, how I long for that day when my heart would be perfectly sanctified; but, alas I know that all too often I have not yet reached that. Yet, each day I run back to the foot of the cross to lay my sins, my failures of the day, my heart and my mind before my Savior and King. I can boldly come before His throne where I will obtain mercy and grace because of Jesus’ redemptive work upon the cross. There I will be washed clean once more.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Then, I arise once more determined to become a vessel of honor; pressing forward to the mark for which I have been called.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
Each time I refocus upon Jesus Christ, God continues the work of transforming me into the likeness of His Son. I begin to see the work of the Holy Spirit changing me one tiny ounce of glory at a time. One day, I will look like Christ. I must be willing to endure whatever purification is needed-whether it be a fire I must walk through or a raging storm. My final goal must be the life for which God has called me.
we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18
3. Lay Aside All Selfish, lustful desire
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV)
When will I be too old to not fall into the traps of youthful lusts? I do not know; but, I must learn to flee them. I must flee covetousness, anger, desires for all that which might harm my testimony for Christ. I must not get entangled within my own desires for love, position, or power; rather, I must give love with a pureness of heart that gives with no expectations. That is not easy; but, I do know that what I cannot do–God can. In the end, it is He who will finish this work in my heart. My heart is sealed by God; of this I can be certain.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. 2 Timothy 2:19
CONCLUSION:
Study God’s word, determine to become a vessel of honor, flee from your own foolish desires of the flesh and leave all the consequences to God. He will complete the work He began in you. When you stumble and fall; as you will, bring it all to His throne of Grace. There you will receive mercy.
[bctt tweet=”In God’s house, each morning is a bright new dawn with new mercies, renewed hope.” username=”effiedarlene”]
J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Photo used by permission: https://unsplash.com/@gallarotti
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.