November 17, 2019
Evening Service

Over the last few messages, we have been shown the steps we need to take to be able to make our life to resemble Paul’s in the manner that he wrote to the Galatians:

Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

·        We were encouraged to have the resolve of a soldier, the discipline of an athlete, and the patience and work ethic of a farmer. 

·        We are not to “beat the air” in our walk with the Lord, but be purposeful in all that we do.

·        We are to “run to win” along our journey with Christ to fulfill all that God has planned for us.

·        Paul reminded us to be careful of the things that we are listening to and watching that are “words to no profit to the ruin of the hearers.”

·        We were commanded to “be diligent” in our study of God’s Word as we search for the life changing truth that is found within our Bible.

·        We are to stand courageously upon the “solid foundation of God” and His Word.

·        Tonight we will add depart from iniquity and sanctify yourselves for God’s use.

 

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

            This is where we ended this morning and it is where we will begin this evening.  We spoke how it was from the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives that God knows those who are His.  That Holy Spirit empowers us in several ways along our life journey.  First, He leads us to truth and protects us from deceptive lies.  Second, its presence in our lives is the eternal life that Jesus promises to those who believe in Him.  Thirdly, it leads us to live a life that is sanctified (set apart) for God’s use.  It is this part that helps us “who names the name of Christ to depart from iniquity.”  We seek to remove all sin (iniquity) from our lives.  Paul explains it more in the coming verses, again by using things on the earth that we understand to grasp this deep spiritual truth.

 

2Ti 2:20-21 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.

            Vessels of wood and clay were used for common purposes usually those of less honor, such as around the household to hold trash or waste.  The vessels of gold and silver were considered vessels of honor for special use in the temple of God.  Many of the items Moses was instructed to make for the temple were overlaid with gold.

 

            Paul’s point here is that God has created all men for certain purposes.  Some are created for honor (true believers) and some for dishonor (following false teaching).  Therefore, as those who choose to cleanse themselves from false teaching and evil living, we are sanctifying ourselves to be a vessel of honor to be used by God for His kingdom.  It is through our diligent effort to separate ourselves from the world by “departing from iniquity” that prepares us for “every good work.” God can use those vessels that have cleansed themselves for His holy service.  God saves us just as we are in our sins and covered with worldly attributes.  But when we begin to set ourselves apart (sanctified) for His use by departing from iniquity, avoiding words that are of no profit, diligently seek to study and understand His Word, and having the attitude that you are “running to win” in our pursuit of Jesus; He will use you for His service.  That is why you were created as His workmanship prepared for every good work.

 

 Eph. 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

        I love how the NLT translates “His workmanship” as “His masterpiece.”  We are created a masterpiece to fulfill certain good works and by cleansing ourselves from sin and lining up our lives with God’s Word we prepare ourselves to be used by Him.  We become tools in His belt to be used to build the kingdom.  Paul explained this to the Romans like this:

 

Romans 6:11-13 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (12)  Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.  (13)  And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

            When we cleanse ourselves from unrighteousness, we “present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness of God.”  We offer ourselves to Him to do whatever He calls us to.  It may be a lifelong calling of leading a ministry or it may be a task that lasts a minute to offer someone a glass of water in the Name of Jesus.  With either one, it is because we are doing our best to be all that He desires us to be so we can be ready when the call comes.  We become a vessel to be use for honor.  As we return to 2 Timothy, Paul gives us even more advice.

 

2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

        This advice lines up the same pattern we have been following.  He says here “flee youthful lusts” and “pursue” these positive attributes of a Jesus follower.  We were told not to “strive after words to no profit, to “shun idle babbling” and to “be diligent in rightly dividing the word of truth.”  Here we are instructed to flee and pursue.

            To “flee” means to run away from a place or a situation of danger.  We need to separate ourselves from our former worldly lifestyle that often comes from our careless youthfulness.  This always reminds me of Joseph who when he was being seduced by Potiphar’s wife he ran away!  Run away from the situations that will cause you temptations to sin.

            To pursue is to follow someone or something in order to catch them or it.  We are to pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.  Run away from youthful lusts and chase after the things of God.  In pursuing these things, we are naturally cleansing ourselves from sin.  It is a vital part of dying out to ourselves and being alive to God.  Paul finishes this chapter with a call to be a gentle servant by avoiding strife and foolish arguments.

 

2Ti 2:23-26 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.

        As we are set ourselves apart to be a tool in His hand, Paul says it is best if we take on these attributes as we try to share the message of Christ to others.  It is best to be gentle, kind, patient, respectful and courteous in explaining the truth.  Try to never raise your voice or take a judgmental or condescending attitude with those to whom you are sharing your faith.  Avoid foolish arguments by simply refusing to be drawn into them; just don’t go there.  People are far more likely to listen when you do these things and allow the Holy Spirit to draw them to repentance and a right relationship with God.  Speak the truth in love and then let the Spirit do His job.

 

Chapter 2 took 4 messages to get through!  We have been challenged on nearly every front of our lives to make sure we are “running to win.”  Reread this entire chapter this week and allow God to grant you an even deeper understanding.

 

Heavenly Father thank You for this Word that challenges our faith and pushes us to a closer walk with You.