Milo

Philemon

INTRODUCTION

This brief, intensely personal letter was written to Philemon, a wealthy Christian slave-owner in Asia Minor’s Lycus Valley. In it Paul appealed to Philemon to welcome back Onesimus, a runaway slave who had been converted under Paul’s ministry. The letter is a dramatic example of how the Gospel unites people of every social class in Christ.

OUTLINE OF CONTENTS

I.	Thanksgiving and Prayer	Phile. 1–7
II.	Plea for Onesimus	Phile. 8–22
III.	Greetings, Benediction	Phile. 23–25

Titus

NOVEMBER 24

Reading 328

UNFINISHED BUSINESS Titus 1–3

“I left you in Crete . . . that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5).Titus summarized the things that we too should teach—and must learn.

Biography: Titus

Little is known of Titus. He is mentioned in Galatians 2:1–3 as a companion of Paul. Shortly before writing 2 Corinthians, Paul sent Titus on a mission to that church, which was quite successful (2 Cor. 2:12–13; 7:6–13). When Paul wrote this letter, Titus was working in Crete to “straighten out” the disorganized and somewhat corrupt churches there. A last mention of Titus is found in 2 Timothy 4:10, which shows him off on another mission as Paul faced execution in Rome. Commentators agree that the few references to Titus which exist depict him as a forceful, resourceful, and yet tactful young Christian leader, who was successful in dealing with a variety of sensitive problems in the early church.

Overview

Paul greeted Titus (1:1–4) and reviewed his mission on Crete (vv. 5–16). Titus’ teaching was to focus on a lifestyle appropriate to sound doctrine (2:1–15). In view of Christ’s kindness (3:1–7), believers are to devote themselves to doing good (vv. 8–11). Paul closed with personal remarks (vv. 12–15).

Understanding the Text

“The preaching entrusted to me” Titus 1:1–3. Paul’s introductory remarks are exceptionally long, matched only in his much lengthier Letter to the Romans. Paul underlined his high calling, possibly as a reminder and as an encouragement to Titus. God had entrusted the apostle with a mission. He was to bring to God’s people life-giving truth that leads to godliness. The eternal commitment of God to provide eternal life has been fulfilled in Christ, and this Paul had been commissioned to proclaim. Titus, Paul’s son in their “common faith,” was on a difficult mission. He may well have needed the reminder. However difficult our task, when we serve God and His elect we engage in the highest calling of all. “Appoint elders in every town” Titus 1:5–9. One of Titus’ tasks was to strengthen the organization of Crete’s churches. This was done by appointing leadership teams in each congregation. The word “appoint” or “ordain” does nothing to help us understand how leaders were selected in the apostolic church. Certainly Titus supervised the process, and established guidelines to be followed. As in his first Letter to Timothy, Paul emphasized character in specifying a leader’s qualifications. We may use a variety of means to select our spiritual leaders. But we cannot afford to ignore the New Testament’s emphasis on character. “Rebuke them sharply” Titus 1:10–14. I learned long ago that, when teaching a Sunday School or Bible class, it’s better to simply overlook dumb things people say. If you say, “You’re wrong,” and make a big issue of the error, what usually happens is that people remember the error rather than the correction! And after a few embarrassing lectures on their mistakes, folks in your class aren’t likely to risk speaking up and being wrong again. In such cases it’s better to find some small point to agree with—and then go on to state the truth that corrects the error in a simple, positive way. But Paul doesn’t suggest my approach to Titus. Why? I suspect because the folks that Titus dealt with were like Joe, a Ph.D. I had in one of my Sunday School classes. Joe didn’t say dumb things. He said wrong things. On purpose, and just to stir up trouble. That’s what was happening in Crete. People were teaching error on purpose, and in the process “ruining whole households.” In this case, Paul said, don’t be so gentle. Confront such people openly, and rebuke them publicly. The Cretans, like some modern Christians, just weren’t taking the faith seriously, and were playing games. Perhaps this is another reason for Paul’s lengthy greeting. We need to remember that the words in the vocabulary of our faith are God’s words, and the issues they deal with are matters of life and death. “To the pure, all things are pure” Titus 1:15–16. Paul was undoubtedly thinking of the Jewish legalists who played a disruptive role in Crete’s congregations (cf. v. 10). Legalism located “purity” in such things as the foods one ate. Christianity locates purity in the heart. It is not what we eat, but what we think and feel and do that marks us as pure. The contrary is also true. If a person is corrupt within, whatever regulations he observes are corrupt as well, tainted by their association with him (v. 15). While this is the interpretation of the passage, there is an interesting application. The pure in heart tend to see things in a pure light. The pure see others as persons God loves—the impure see them as sex objects. The pure ascribe the best of intentions to others, and so are seldom hurt by remarks the impure see as slights or attacks. The pure rejoice over another’s success, the impure feel jealous. The purity of your heart will shape the way you look at all things. A heart purified by God protects from much hurt and harm. “Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” Titus 2:1–15. Here as in Timothy “sound” doctrine is “healthy” doctrine. God’s truth has a vitality, that is not only healthy itself but that produces health and well-being in the believer. In a way, Christian truth is a wonder drug. Kept in the laboratory, or the theologian’s dissertation, truth may be fascinating and worthy of study. But the real value of truth is when it is given to suffering human beings, and makes us well. When Paul said, “Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine,” he put the emphasis on truth’s application to life. He did not say, “Teach sound doctrine,” as though truth were to be examined only in the classroom. He said, “Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (italics added). Christian teaching is to emphasize the healthy lifestyle that is produced in believers by God’s health-giving Word (see DEVOTIONAL). “We too were” Titus 3:1–3. The “before and after” snapshot is as applicable to Christian faith as to diet clinics. In fact, the approach is much more reliable in faith than diet ads. Christ in the life makes life different. And makes us different too. “The kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared” Titus 3:4–7. These verses are one of Scriptures’ most beautiful and clear expressions of the Gospel. Salvation: not because of who we were, but because of who God is. Not to keep us as we are, but to make us new. “Devote themselves to doing what is good” Titus 3:8. Sarah and her friend Vanessa are currently devotees of the New Kids, a singing group that might well be forgotten by the time this is published. Yesterday afternoon Vanessa brought over a New Kids video tape—so my wife and I retreated to my office, closing the door against the ecstatic little-girl screams that found their way even through two sets of closed doors. I suppose it’s cute. I’m sure its typical. After all, little girls act like little girls. We all realize that it’s appropriate for people to act in character. This was Paul’s point here. We Christians have experienced the kindness and love of God. He has saved us, and with salvation poured out on us the Spirit of rebirth and renewal. We are new persons now, and so it is appropriate that we act in character. It is important that we Christians be what we are. And “in character” for a Christian is to “devote [ourselves] to doing what is good.” Let’s do it with the all the enthusiasm and energy of Sarah and Vanessa. If we do, the reverberations of our good works will penetrate the closed doors of many a heart, and open those doors for Jesus. “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good” Titus 3:12–15. Perhaps this sums up the message Paul wanted Titus and the Cretans to hear. Being and doing good is not optional for Christians. It’s a “must.” In the same way that birds must fly, and fish swim to live in harmony with their nature, so Christians must be devoted to doing good to live in harmony with the new nature God has given us.

DEVOTIONAL

Teaching Is . . .(Titus 2)

If you’ve thought of “teaching” and of “learning” as something that happens in a classroom, where rows of students sit to listen as a teacher gives them important information, Titus 2 holds some surprises. In the first place, “teaching” here isn’t about information. Teaching is about life. It’s not “sound doctrine” but “what is in accord with sound doctrine” that Paul urged Titus to teach (v. 1). Paul didn’t insist Titus make sure each believer can proof-text the Trinity. But he did insist believers learn to be reverent, self-controlled, pure, upright, and godly. Next, teaching isn’t a classroom kind of thing! The teacher of Titus 2 is so involved in life with the learners that he or she is able to “set them an example by doing what is good” (v. 7). Finally, Christian “teaching” is such a broad concept that no single word can describe the activity. This chapter says “teach” (vv. 1–4, 7, 9–10, 12, 15), “train” (v. 4), “encourage” (vv. 6, 15), “set an example” (v. 7), and “rebuke” (v. 15). If we were to include all the ideas conveyed by the Greek words, teaching would be: speaking, communicating, asserting, encouraging, advising, urging, providing a pattern or example to follow, instructing, guiding, correcting, bringing to light, exposing, pointing out, convincing, and reproving when necessary to convict—and all to help another live a life that fits the truth we believe, and the relationship we have with Jesus Christ.

Personal Application

More real teaching takes place outside the church building than in it—and you and I are the teachers!

Quotable

“I am convinced if I asked any one of you suddenly to recall five sermons you have listened to, you would be hard put to answer. But if I should ask you to name five persons through whom God has put His hand on your life, you would not hesitate a moment.”—Halford E. Luccock

Titus

INTRODUCTION

This brief letter to one of Paul’s young associates was probably written shortly after Paul’s release from prison in Rome, in A.D. 62 or 63. It was intended to guide Titus on his mission to correct faults in the churches of Crete. The letter is practical, and emphasizes the essential link between doctrine and moral purity.

OUTLINE OF CONTENTS

I.	Titus’ Mission	Titus 1
II.	Christian Teaching	Titus 2
III.	Doing What Is Good	Titus 3

NOVEMBER 23

Reading 327

THE GOOD FIGHT 2 Timothy 3–4

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).How good to look back at the end of life and be satisfied with the way you lived.

Overview

Paul warned of growing godlessness (3:1–9) and of persecution awaiting those who live godly lives (vv. 10–13). Timothy was to trust the Scriptures (vv. 14–17) and fulfill his calling (4:1–5). Paul had lived this life, and was ready for his reward (vv. 6–8). Paul closed with personal remarks (vv. 9–22).

Understanding the Text

“A form of godliness but denying its power” 2 Tim. 3:1–5. The phrase “the last days” need not, but may, focus on the years just preceding Christ’s return. Here it seems better to see Paul’s remarks as directed to our own age, which has now extended over 1,900 years. Our times are perilous because of the distortion of true religion by those who have the outward form of religion, but who deny its power. What is the power of godliness that they deny? Why, it is the power to take sinful people and purge their character of the sins that Paul lists here! The power of true religion is seen in its transformation of the character of those who truly believe. “Have nothing to do with them” 2 Tim. 3:1–5. Paul listed 18 traits that mark individuals off as strangers to true religion. Look at the list, not to see how others measure up, but to see what God has done to transform you—and what He is committed to do for you in the future. Here is the list: 1. Selfish—a “lover of yourself.” 2. Materialistic—a lover of money. 3. Boastful. 4. Arrogant—contemptuous of others. 5. Abusive—slandering others. 6. Disobedient to parents. 7. Ungrateful. 8. Unholy—without relationship to God and living a purely secular life. 9. Unloving—lacking even normal affection for family. 10. Unforgiving—resisting reconciliation with others. 11. Slanderous—prone to falsely accusing others. 12. Without self-control—living in the grip of physical passions. 13. Brutal—savage and fierce. 14. Indifferent to good and drawn to evil. 15. Treacherous—without loyalty. 16. Rash, reckless. 17. Conceited. 18. Lovers of pleasure—putting themselves in the place of God as the center of their affections. “Their folly will be clear to everyone” 2 Tim. 3:6–9. It’s easy to appear religious. But when folks get to know us, they quickly realize whether our faith is a facade or real. Think how hard it is for an arrogant, ungrateful, unloving, treacherous, selfish individual to disguise those traits for long. And think how long before others learn whether we are responsive, grateful, loving, trustworthy, and caring persons. Only the complete fool can be long deceived. There’s a comforting thought here for us. As we experience God’s inner transformation, our character becomes more and more clear to those who know us. The very persons we are brings glory to God, and demonstrates the power of the Gospel. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2 Tim. 3:10–17. It’s strange, perhaps, but the world isn’t really eager to welcome godly persons. We make it too uncomfortable for others. A young Christian friend, convinced that as a Christian he should work hard on his job, was persecuted unmercifully by his coworkers, who insisted he slack off as they did. His commitment to do an honest day’s work for his pay showed up their own laziness and indifference! When “evil men and impostors” become worse, the believer whose life exposes their character, becomes less and less popular. So what are we to do? Just what Paul told Timothy. “Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of.” “You know those from whom you learned” 2 Tim. 3:13. We can picture the church as a long line of men and women holding hands, reaching from our own time back to the day of the Apostles. That “hand in hand” is important. I have often asked members of Christian groups to think of a person who had a strong, positive influence on their life. Then I’ve described opposing aspects of relationships. Was the relationship you had with the influential other more close, or distant? Was it more warm, or cool? Was communication one-way, or two-way? Did you feel that person knew you, or not? Did you know him or her, or not? Invariably over 90 percent of the group say they had a warm, close, relationship with the influential others, in which each talked and listened, and in which enough sharing took place that the two seemed to know each other. No wonder Paul said, “You know those from whom you learned.” Don’t be surprised at persecution from strangers. Just concentrate on building the intimate kind of relationship with others through which faith is most effectively shared. “All Scripture is God-breathed” 2 Tim. 3:16–17. I’m one of those old-fashioned types who is convinced that the Bible is God’s inspired Word: accurate, trustworthy, reliable in every sense. Perhaps you are too. But Paul merely introduced his theme by affirming Scripture’s inspiration. His point was that Scripture is useful! The more firmly you and I believe the Bible is the Word of God, the more faithfully we ought to apply it, relate its teachings to our lives, hear its rebukes, heed its correction, and thus let the Scripture equip us “for every good work.” “Keep your head in all situations” 2 Tim. 4:1–5. It’s not easy to be rejected and ignored. Right now one of my closest friends, who has pastored one church for over 25 years, is feeling the frustration Paul alluded to. Somehow his leadership now seems unwelcome. It’s not that the people have turned “their ears away from the truth.” Its just that, somehow, he seems much less effective than before. The work of ministry, whether engaged in as a profession, or as an expression of every believer’s faith, is both rewarding and discouraging. When discouragement comes it’s so easy to lose heart—and to fail to keep our heads. How do we respond? We do the work God has called us to do. For Timothy this was preaching the Word, in and out of season, correcting and rebuking and encouraging—and all with great patience and care. For us, ministry is exactly the same. We have the same Word to share, the same concern for others, that any professional pastor has. It isn’t necessary that everyone respond favorably to us as we serve them for Jesus’ sake. It is only necessary to “discharge all the duties of your ministry.” “To all who have longed for His appearing” 2 Tim. 4:6–8. Paul had known plenty of discouragement, and abundant persecution. But he looked back over his life with a sense of satisfaction. Through it all, Paul kept on serving. He fought a good fight. He ran a good race. He kept the faith. And now he looked forward to his reward. Paul wanted you and me to know that God has the same reward for you and me. We haven’t been turned aside by any rewards this world might offer, or by any threats men of the world might make. We have lived our life here aware that this earth is temporary, and all its pleasures are passing. We have yearned not for the things of earth, but for Jesus to return. And this longing has kept us, as it kept Paul, faithfully committed to whatever ministry God has given us. Don’t be downhearted, whatever discouragement may come. Even now the bands are gathering in heaven, and the parade is forming. Soon you’ll take your place in the open limo that leads the parade down heaven’s streets to the grandstand where rewards will be distributed. And then you’ll know, with Paul, that it was worth it all. “The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength” 2 Tim. 4:9–18. We do need the support and encouragement of others. But sometimes we simply do not receive it. When others fail us, we have been given a great opportunity to experience the faithfulness of our God. He will stand by our side. He will give us strength. And He will rescue us “from every evil attack and will bring us safely to His heavenly kingdom.”

DEVOTIONAL

From Infancy(2 Tim. 4:10–17)

Our acceptance and nurture in the Scripture usually takes place in the context of some close, intimate relationship. That was definitely the case with Timothy, who came to know and love God’s Word early in life. We have no indication of just how Lois and Eunice shaped young Timothy’s faith. But we do have a list of rules followed by Susannah Wesley, mother of 19 children, including hymn writer Charles Wesley and the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. Here are her “bylaws.” (1) Cowardness and fear of punishment often lead children into lying. To prevent this, a law was made, that whoever was charged with a fault, of which they were guilty, if they would ingenuously confess it, and promise to amend, should not be beaten. (2) That no sinful action, as lying, pilfering, playing at church, or on the Lord’s Day, disobedience, quarreling, etc., should ever pass unpunished. (3) That no child should ever be chided, or beat twice, for the same fault; and that if they amended, they should never be unbraided with it afterward. (4) That every . . . act of obedience should always be commended, and frequently rewarded, according to the merits of the cause. (5) That if any child performed an act of obedience, or did anything with an intention to please, though the performance was not well, yet the intention should be kindly accepted; and the child with sweetness directed how to do better in the future. (6) That propriety be inviolably preserved, and none suffered to invade the property of another in the smallest matter. (7) That promises be strictly observed; and a gift once bestowed, and so the right passed away from the donor not to be restored, but left to the disposal of him to whom it was given.

Personal Application

The best way to teach the Word to our children is to live it—and to see that it is lived.

Quotable

“The religion of a child depends upon what its mother and its father are, and not on what they say.”—Henri Frederic Amiel

NOVEMBER 22

Reading 326

STRONG IN GRACE 2 Timothy 1–2

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1).Paul exhibited a strength of commitment that Timothy—and we—are expected to imitate.

Background

The setting.

Most believe that Paul won release from the imprisonment mentioned at the end of Acts aboutA.D 62. He continued to minister, perhaps in Spain, but was rearrested in the mid-60s. A strong tradition indicates that Paul was executed in Rome during Nero’s reign, aboutA.D 68. Paul’s conviction that “the time has come for my departure” (4:6) suggests this letter was written during that final imprisonment. If so, what we have here are the last words of Paul: a “deathbed” blessing and exhortation directed to Timothy, but just as applicable to you and to me. All the wisdom and experience of Paul’s long life with his Lord are shared here for our profit and encouragement. So let’s take Paul’s words of advice to heart, and so live that when our time of departure nears, we too will be satisfied that we have “fought the good fight” (v. 7).

Overview

Paul expressed confidence in Timothy (1:1–7). He called on Timothy to be faithful to the Gospel (vv. 8–18) and transmit it accurately (2:1–2). Soldier (vv. 3–4), athlete (v. 5), and farmer (vv. 6–7) illustrate faithfulness to a faithful Lord (vv. 8–13). Ministry demands that one rightly handle God’s Word (vv. 14–19) and pursue righteousness (vv. 20–26).

Understanding the Text

“To Timothy, my dear son” 2 Tim. 1:1–2. It is significant that Paul called Timothy his beloved son. Paul would soon exhort this younger coworker to face and endure great hardships—something we hardly ever want for our children. Yet Paul knew the rewards of suffering for Christ’s sake. He wanted the best for Timothy—and he knew that the path to glory is often marked by hardship and suffering. We need to remember this in dealing with our own beloveds. We do them no favor by smoothing their way so much that they come to trust us rather than God. “Your sincere faith” 2 Tim. 1:3–7. Paul kept the delicate balance here between what others can do for us, and what we must do for ourselves. The spark of a parent’s faith can ignite our own. But we must fan it into flame (v. 6). “Join with me in suffering for the Gospel” 2 Tim. 1:8–11. It is amazing to me what people are willing to suffer for. Some are willing to suffer to reach a mountaintop. Some are willing to suffer to finish an “iron man” competition, that demands they swim 5 miles, bike over 100, and then run a full marathon. Others sacrifice home and family to make more money on a job that takes them constantly on the road. Paul asks us to suffer for something far more worthwhile. The Gospel is that stunning expression of God’s grace, revealed in Christ’s appearance, that announces God’s victory over death and invites every man to come to Him for “life and immortality.” Now that is something worth suffering for. No wonder Paul said he was “not ashamed” to testify about our Lord! “I know whom I have believed” 2 Tim. 1:12. Paul didn’t say, “I know what I have believed.” He said, “I know whom.” Our faith does have content, and that content is to be believed. But the foundation of faith is a personal relationship with God through Jesus. When we can say, with Paul, “I know Him,” we have the same complete confidence that Paul expressed: I “am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him [my very self!] for that day.” “The pattern of sound teaching” 2 Tim. 1:13–14. “Sound” here is hygiainonton, “healthy.” The teaching Paul gave had unique vitality: it is able to produce a spiritual healthiness that projects “faith and love in Christ Jesus.” There are two tests for sound doctrine. One is its correspondence with the teaching of the Apostles that is recorded in the Scriptures. The other is its power to produce faith and love in the one who holds it. We may hold orthodox doctrines without being loving persons. But if we are not loving, those doctrines clearly do not have a hold on us. “Everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me” 2 Tim. 1:15–18. “Asia” here means the Roman province, in what is now part of Turkey. Ephesus, where Paul spent some three years, was its leading city. How tragic then that “everyone” there turned away from Paul, even though perhaps we can understand why. Nero focused the existing hostility of the general populace against the Jews on the Christians. The arrest of both Peter and Paul, and their execution inA.D 68, suggests that it had become dangerous to be associated in the official mind with these Christian leaders. So perhaps fear motivated many to abandon Paul. But fear did not deter one man Paul had known in Ephesus: Onesiphorus. Rather than distance himself from Paul, Onesiphorus came to Rome and searched until he found Paul. He must have asked dozens of minor officials where Paul was—and been firmly linked to Paul in their minds. How fortunate Paul was to have at least one loyal and faithful friend. Such loyalty might bring us into danger in this world. But Paul was sure that Onesiphorus will “find mercy from the Lord on that day!” “Entrust to reliable men” 2 Tim. 2:1–2. Verse 2 is inscribed on the seal of the seminary that I attended. Truth is passed on from generation to generation by those gifted by God to instruct others in the meaning of what is now recorded in Scripture. Yet each of us is a transmitter, not only of truth, but of life. As Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy, shared the spark of their faith with him, so each of us communicates the reality of our faith to those closest to us. “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier” 2 Tim. 2:3–4. Paul now gives us three images of Christian ministry. This ministry he wrote of is not just for the full-time Christian worker. These images fit the ministries of each of us—to family, to friends, to neighbors. The first image is military, and emphasizes disciplined commitment. We try to please our commanding officer. An easy life, distractions from our goal, these are all to be rejected. We’re to pick up our packs, and march through life as men and women on a mission. “If anyone competes as an athlete” 2 Tim. 2:5. In swimming, the course is carefully laid out. Stray from your lane, and you will be disqualified. The image of the athlete competing within the rules is another picture of full dedication. The soldier who wants to please his commander doesn’t get involved in civilian affairs (v. 4), and the athelete who wants to win doesn’t wander from his lane. “The hardworking farmer” 2 Tim. 2:6–7. The last image adds a new dimension to Paul’s analogies. The “hardworking farmer” has to be patient and wait to enjoy the fruit of his labor. He deserves a share of the crop. But the crop isn’t available when he plows the ground. The crop isn’t there when he plants the seed, or hoes the weeds, or even when he shoos birds away from the ripening grain. Like the soldier and athlete, we discipline ourselves to serve. And like the hardworking farmer, we discipline ourselves to wait patiently until the crop of righteousness we have planted ripens. But we wait confidently, for we know God is faithful. He will give us a larger share of the crop than our labors deserve. “Remember Jesus Christ” 2 Tim. 2:8–13. Remembering Jesus is what sustains us as we serve Him, waiting expectantly for rewards that seldom are granted here and now. The “trustworthy saying” Paul shares with us is likely drawn from the liturgy of the early church. It is a hymn or confession encouraging the faithful to look ahead, and take heart at the thought of Christ’s faithfulness. The faith even of the true believer may wane. But even “if we are faithless, He will remain faithful.” It is this absolute confidence in Jesus’ commitment to us that gives us the strength to live and die with Him, and to endure whatever comes. “Who correctly handles the Word of truth” 2 Tim. 2:14–19. Context helps us understand Paul’s intent. Scripture is not something to be debated. It is to be applied to deepen our faith in God, and to produce righteousness. This is God’s “solid foundation,” that no twisting of His Word can shake. While only the Lord can look into hearts, and know who belongs to Him, those who do belong will “turn away from wickedness” (v. 19). “Along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 2 Tim. 2:22. Human beings have always been vulnerable to the influence of others. This is why Paul calls on us to “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with” others who share our commitment to Christ. We express concern over the peer group’s influence on our teens. But what we need to realize is that God’s plan is to use every person’s peer group in a positive way! This is why we have such a deep need for Christian fellowship. The encouragement of others is vital for our own pursuit of righteousness. “He must gently instruct” 2 Tim. 2:23–26. Other’s may “oppose” us. But in ministering to others we must always remember that we are on their side! We are not trying to win an argument, but to win a person who desperately needs to “come to [his] senses and escape from the trap of the devil.” Heated argument is the worst possible way to accomplish this task, and so Paul said that God’s servant “must not quarrel,” but “be kind to everyone” and “gently instruct.” We rely on love, and on the Spirit of God who is at work through us in others’ lives. If this is our outlook, we’ll be freed from that terrible urge to compete, and to “win” arguments at the cost of losing others’ souls.

DEVOTIONAL

Noble Purposes(2 Tim. 2:20–26)

The most common archeological find in biblical lands are pieces of broken pottery. When Paul spoke of many “articles” (KJV, “vessels”) found in every household, he meant the ceramic and wooden as well as the metal pots, bowls, and dishes that furnished first-century homes. But his reference to a “large house” and to gold and silver made it clear that he had in mind the home of a very wealthy person indeed. Of course, even the wealthy used the more common clay vessels for ordinary (“ignoble”) things. But, even as today we bring out the best china and the silver when guests come, the householder reserved his best vessels to use when an opportunity for “noble” use presented itself. Paul’s point was that in the church of Jesus everyone is a useful vessel. But some, perhaps because they have not dedicated themselves to a pursuit of righteousness (v. 22), or have not cleansed themselves of a hostile attitude (vv. 24–25), are fit only for the most ordinary tasks. What is exciting is that Paul suggested each us can become vessels suitable for God to use for the most noble purposes of all. If we will cleanse ourselves, and commit ourselves to holiness, you and I can be “useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

Personal Application

To be used, we must be useable.

Quotable

“Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith, strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust You altogether. O Lord, help me. In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. Therefore I will remain with You, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give.”—Martin Luther