Journey into Usefulness Second Timothy 2:14-26

2nd Timothy 2:14-26 Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.

They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and Everyone who names the name of the Lord of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness. And their word will spread like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus.

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and earthenware, some for special use, some for ordinary. So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient,

instructing his opponents with gentleness instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will.

Usefulness Part of God’s Eternal Plan for You A Purpose of Scripture Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His creation—created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” A Purpose of Scripture 2nd Timothy 3:17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable… so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work”

Usefulness God’s Grace Enables Us to Excel in Good Works 2nd Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.” Our Choices Set Us Apart as a Useful Instrument Vs. 21 “So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

Literally, “Straight-cutting the word of truth” 1. Doctrinal Integrity Vs. 15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth” Literally, “Straight-cutting the word of truth”

1. Doctrinal Integrity Vs. 15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth” Hebrews 5:12 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of God’s revelation. You need milk, not solid food.”

1.1 Not Intellectual Debate Vs. 14 “…charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers” This person’s concept of truth is that it is a theory to be debated rather than something authoritative and life-changing.

Right Thinking Leads to Right Living 1.2 The Right Mental Diet Vs. 16 “But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness” NAS95: “But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness” Right Thinking Leads to Right Living

NLT: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust” 2. Moral Purity Vs. 22 “Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness… along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” NLT: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust”

2. Moral Purity Vs. 22 “Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness… along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Hard pursuit

3. Spiritual Maturity Vs 22 “…pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…” Righteousness: conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed Faith: Consciously and specifically trusting Jesus to do for me what I cannot do for myself Love: Seeking the best interest of the others now that Christ has released me from my self-centeredness Peace: The harmony and concord I can have with others because Christ has healed my inner discord.

4. Personal Geniality Vs. 24-25 “The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth.” Amplified: “And the servant of the Lord must… be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness…”

God’s Counter-intuitive Order A difference in priorities Doctrinal Integrity Moral Purity Spiritual Maturity Personal Geniality Personal Geniality Spiritual Maturity Moral Purity Doctrinal Integrity