2 Tim 2

Continuing from last time,

2 Tim 1 verses 8-10 "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

God has called us not to live as the world following the lusts and passions of the flesh, given over to immorality and every kind of deceit. He has called us to holy lives for His purposes and grace.

In this chapter verses 20-22 exemplify the meaning behind these words.

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 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."

Not to be rude, but we all have become articles tainted by ignoble purposes. Whether it be chasing money and success by trading in ethics and morals; chasing our own pleasure and desires leading to immorality with or without others directly involved; or even to make ourselves look better by cheating, making others look worse, or finding loop holes. By our flesh nature, we have become ignoble instruments.

This is why we needed to be saved.

For these things we would continue to be useless for the noble purposes we were made. A perfectly made exquisite vase will never hold beautiful flowers after it has been used as a spittoon.

But God saved us by Jesus, washed us in His blood, made us clean again. Now is the choice to go back to these things, or pursue holiness in Him.

If you ever wonder why you don't see people coming to Christ, why you don't have great conversations, why you feel God is far away, these things stem from a separation from God, a division caused by sin. When you pursue His kingdom and righteousness first all else will fall into place, when you abide in Him you will see fruit, fruit that will last.

If you want to see Amazing and Awesome things happen that only God can do, and to see God use you, gotta cleanse ourselves from these things on an ongoing basis and seek His Spirit to continue sanctifying us.

Does it make sense to pray for revival on campus when inside we ourselves are dying? We need revival and life in Him first.