2 Timothy - 7.22.21
Scripture - What stood out?
2 Timothy 2: 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work
Observation - What does it say?
The apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy continues to encourage and guide him in his discipleship of those around him. In this second chapter Paul reminds him that raising future teachers is a good thing. And that these teachers need to seek God’s approval, rightly dividing the truth, avoiding quarrels, foolish topics and ignorant controversies. He urges these teachers to set themselves apart as holy, making themselves ready to be used by God.
Understanding - What does it mean?
How can I be ready to be used by God? Clean myself from what is dishonorable to God.
Splinter cells fascinate me. As does anything espionage related. The dedication to a cause, the passion, the iron determination to accomplish their mission, and always being ready to be activated at a moment’s notice. It just seems and sounds too incredible to be true! (The splinter cell activations after 20-30 years hiding as a civilian are always the best!)
And yet in this second chapter of second Timothy, I find myself being reminded by God through these instructions to Timothy and his disciples - you are my splinter cell, get ready for you may be activated at a moment’s notice!
The apostle Paul tells us in verses 22 through part of 25:
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[e] must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness...
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
While my career as a spy is non-existent, my call to live as a servant of God is very real. Rightly divide God’s truth. Be set apart as Holy. Cleanse myself of dishonorable things. Be a vessel ready for use by my Master. Flee youthful passions. Seek righteousness, faith, love and peace. Find the pure of heart. Who needs espionage! Serving God is just as intense if not more! =) So today I will seek to cleanse myself from something dishonorable. Thank you for bringing to light an area of my life that can be cleaned up and re-dedicated to you. Forgive me for allowing laziness to creep into my tithing habits. Tithes that belong not to a church, but to Almighty God the creator, His Son my Lord and Savior, and to Holy Spirit. I repent and will change my ways for my desire is to draw closer to You. Thank you God, in the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee
