Made for More
Opening Prayer
Lord, I want to know You more. Let me hear You as I come to Your Word, and let me be changed.
Read 2 Timothy 2:14-26
[14] Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. [15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. [16] Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. [17] Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, [18] who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. [19] Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” [20] In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. [21] Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. [22] Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [23] Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. [24] And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. [25] Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How are you using your words?Timothy is in a serious situation. This is not just people saying stupid things; it is an environment where what is said is destroying people’s faith (18). This teaching leads to ungodliness (16) and ruin (14), spreading “like gangrene” (17). It should be avoided at all costs, along with the ensuing quarrels (23)!The teaching is connected to two characters: Hymenaeus (cf. 1 Tim. 1:20) and Philetus. The use of names suggests these people were well-known, maybe even leaders in the church. Their heresy is summed up in a view of the resurrection that claims it has already taken place for the believer (18) rather than being a future hope (2:10). This is serious. Paul reminds Timothy that it is not enough to simply confess the name of Jesus; Christians must turn from all wickedness (19) and pursue the things of God (22). So, what does that look like for you today? What consumes your attention–things that are of God or things that are not? This day, will you “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace” (22)?
Apply
Ask the Lord to give you a practical understanding of what verse 22 looks like for your life.
Closing prayer
Lord, may my words bring life and not death. May I not agree with words that damage or are complacent.
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