II Timothy 2:1–26 (Continued)

May 27, 2013

II Timothy 2:25–26 - "Then maybe God will let them change their minds so they can accept the truth. And they can wake up and escape from the trap of the devil, who catches them to do what he wants." The NIV says it this way, "... that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will."

I want to be captive to the will of the Lord, not caught in the trap of the devil. To do that, you must stop doing wrong (turn away from) and you must follow Christ's true teaching (turn to).

"In a large house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also things made of wood and clay. Some things are used for special purposes, and others are used for special jobs. All who make themselves clean from evil will be used for special purposes. They will be made holy, useful to the Master, ready to do any good work." II Timothy 2:20–21

God saves us → we make good choices → He uses us → we are made holy → we are useful to Him → we are ready to be used by Him → in whatever way He chooses. It is a progression of steps. It has to start with salvation. We must make good choices and follow His teachings. THEN we can be used by Him for special purposes. 

"And for you who make the journey—who leave the heap and enter the fire, dare to be pounded on God's anvil, and doggedly seek to discover your own purpose—take courage, for you await the privilege of being called, 'God's chosen instruments'." ~ From On the Anvil by Max Lucado

Next Entry: II Timothy 3:1 – 4:22