Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 2:15 – 3:17
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! – 2 Timothy 3:5
God has given us the Holy Spirit, through whom we have the power to stop giving in to our sinful nature and start following the urgings of the Spirit. He warns believers not to live as if they have to sin, as if they cannot overcome sin. As we talked about yesterday, he calls us to recognize that the power of the cross is available to us today through the fire of the Holy Spirit.
THE AVAILABILITY OF POWER
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. – 2 Timothy 2:20-21
To be used by God — what an honor! Paul goes on to describe the action we must take in order to be fully available for the Master: to run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts, to pursue righteous living, love, peace and faithfulness, and to enjoy the companionship of others who are in pursuit of serving God from a pure heart. He goes on to advise us how to find that camaraderie with others.
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. – 2 Timothy 2:23-26
THE PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
God has a purpose for each one of our lives and the pursuit of righteousness is what keeps us ready to be used by Him, for His purpose, in His time, in His way. The captives are waiting for their release. Will you be faithful so that God can use you to change someone’s heart today?
But you must remain faithful to those things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
I love this scripture because it reminds me of the change that takes place in me each morning as I sit down with my Bible and my cup of coffee and spend precious time with my God. I am changed each day by His words I read on the page and His words I hear Him gently whisper. I don’t have to trust in my own ability to live a holy life but I can trust in Jesus to make changes in my heart and in my mind.
When I read a verse or passage that convicts me, I have a choice. I can say, “That’s me. I’m sinful and I mess this up every day. That’s just what I do.” Or I can say, “Lord, you know I need your help in this area. Teach me to do the right thing. Prepare me and equip me for every good thing you want to use me for today.” I use grace not as an excuse or explanation for my sin, but as the power to clean me up and make me a “utensil for honorable use.” Oh Father God, let it be so.