Take Hold Of Usefulness

Take Hold of Usefulness (2 Tim. 2:14-26) Typically, about 20% of church members serve in church ministries and only about regularly engage in personal evangelism. What holds believers back from being useful? Regardless of our excuses, God is calling us all to be useful. Can use imagine the impact on our community, our nation, our world, if every professed Christian became “useful”? We shouldn’t worry about being “approved” by men (2 Cor. 3:17), or “self-approved”, but instead, approved by God (2 Cor. 10:18; Rom. 8:33) How often do you hear someone described themselves or another as a “good person”? “Approved” in the scriptural sense means tested and proven (1 Chron. 29:17) to be living & speaking in a manner that is consistent with the Word of God. Dokimos {dok'-ee-mos} Gk. = acceptable, pleasing, genuine (as opposed to counterfeit) As human beings, we all thirst for “fatherly approval”. The Lord knows those who are His (Num. 16:5; 2 Tim. 2:19) We should be “clean bowls”, set aside for special use, which God can use to serve the proper food at the proper time. (2 Tim. 2:20-21) Skeuos {skyoo'-os}Gk. = bowls, cups, vessels, instruments, implements (2 Cor. 4:7; Rom. 9:21-23) This requires diligent/persistent effort on our part (2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pe. 1:10; 3:14)

Mark

It is easy to get distracted from this by petty squabbling (1 Tim. 1:6; 2 Tim. 2:14 & 16; Titus 3:9) and false teaching (2 Tim. 2:18; Heb. 13:9; Matt. 24:24; 13:22) One of the best ways to avoid this is to simple turn/walk away (i.e. don’t engage in it) (2 Tim. 2:19 & 23; 2 Thess. 3:6) It also involves spending time studying God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15) If we claim the name “Christian” we take on an obligation to live such an approved life (2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Thess. 4:1)

We are called to pursue “righteous” (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22; Rom. 14:7) Not “self-righteous”, but instead, in harmony with God’s will Dikaiosune {dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay} Gk. = righteous, approved, just, virtuous, maintaining integrity We are called pursue faith (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22) Having confidence in God Pistis {pis'-tis}Gk. = convinced of the existence, truthfulness, faithfulness, love and power of God This must be sincere/unfeigned (1 Tim. 1:5) We are called to pursue love for others (1 Tim. 1:5; 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22; Eph. 5:2) Agape {ag-ah'-pay}Gk. = means an active and beneficent, interest in, and concern for, the well-being of another. It involves self-sacrifice (Eph. 5:2). It suggests closeness/intimacy. It is given unconditionally and unselfishly. It involves a clear determination of will and judgment (i.e. a responsible choice). A loving person, honestly (Rom. 12:9) gives respect and demonstrates compassion. Demonstrating such love often requires courage. The source of such love comes “from above” (James 1:17). See also 1 Cor.13:4-8 for a list of additional characteristics of such love. The New Testament uses this term nearly 150 times. We are called to pursue peace (2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:14; Rom. 14:7 & 19) Eirene {i-ray'-nay}Gk. = a blessed state of tranquility, harmony, friendship, security, prosperity and freedom from fear This involves gentleness, patience (2 Tim. 2:24 & 5) meekness (power under control) (1 Tim. 6:11; Titus 3:2; Eph. 4:2) and forbearance (Col. 3:13) Along with a pure heart (1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:22) Katharos {kath-ar-os'} Gk. = purified, cleansed (as by fire), unblended (singleminded = of integrity), Kardia {kar-dee'-ah}Gk. = heart, soul, mind

holy

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see (optanomai {op-tan'-omahee} = see, behold) God (Matt. 5:8; See also Ps. 24:3-5, enter a place, and 2 Tim. 2:22, be able to call upon God) God “blesses” us by maintaining an intimate relationship with us (Ps. 1:6)