April 22
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SANCTIFIED TO BE USED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK
20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. – 2 Timothy 2:20-26
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he explains to him how important it is to know the different vessels around his house that can be used by the Master. Some of them are made of gold, silver, wood or earthenware as materials. Paul probably wants the believers to imagine themselves as the vessels that can be used by the Master who is the Lord Jesus Christ for every good work he wants done.
In verse 21, Paul emphasizes the importance of cleansing each vessel so that it can be used by the Master for honorable purposes. Sanctification only happens when someone becomes a believer because the Holy Spirit lives in them. They won’t have the ability to be cleansed if they haven’t believed in Christ. Without the Holy Spirit, no purification can happen. Without sanctification, we cannot serve the Lord for the good works He wants to use us for.
In verse 22, Paul tells the believers to give up desires and chase after righteousness, faith, love and peace. He also cautions them of the danger of foolish and ignorant speculations because it only results in conflicts and division.Paul describes in this letter how the Lord’s servant must be: they are not quarrelsome, kind to all, a skilled teacher, patient when wronged, gently rebuke others. It is very important that these guidelines be observed by the people of God so that sanctification may continually happen so we call all be vessels of the Master.
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REFLECTION
• How are you keeping yourself pure as a vessel to be used by the Master?