July 3, 2014
A USEFUL INSTRUMENT
2 Timothy 2:14–26
Chris Fulmer
Central Truth
Be strong in the area in which you have been called to minister and serve as a useful instrument for God.
Key Verse | 2 Timothy 2:22
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
2 Timothy 2:14–26
A Worker Approved by God
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God 1 2:14 Some manuscripts the Lord not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, 2 2:15 That is, one approved after being tested a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, 3 2:21 Greek from these things he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant 4 2:24 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Dive Deeper | 2 Timothy 2:14–26
As someone who enjoys mountain climbing, I tend to acquire all sorts of fun things like ropes, racks of carabiners, and even a few ice axes. I use these instruments to keep me safe and assist me as I climb.
In order for these instruments to be useful, I keep them clean, protected, and away from things that might cause them harm. After all, I am putting a lot of faith in these little items as I work my way to the summit.
God also created us as His instruments. As such, we, too, are called to serve a very special purpose. We are all called to love God and share His wonderful gift with others.
For us to be effective as God's instruments, we need to flee from things that would hinder our ability to share God's love with others and instead pursue the things that would bring Him glory.
I didn't always feel that all of us are called to be God's instruments. I used to feel that sharing God's love for us, talking about what God was doing in my life, and quoting Scripture was great for those called into ministry or people who worked at a church. I had a regular corporate job, and sharing that kind of stuff was not in my job description.
The fact is, we all are called into ministry. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, that is your ministry. CEOs, soccer moms, teachers, the gear experts at REI . . . all believers are called to share God's love with others. God has created us and given us the great opportunity to be used as His instruments in this very important job.
Go out there and be the useful instrument God created you to be.
See you at the summit!
Discussion Questions
1. What things should you flee from? What keeps you from being the best instrument you could be?
2. What things should you pursue to make you a better instrument?
3. How can accountability help you with this pursuit?