2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Even though yesterday’s devotion gave a lot to avoid, a person is complete when they follow what is right and holy. To be a good workman, we must do the right thing; 2 Timothy 2:22 lists four ways to be pure.
Faith. We are exhorted to have faith. Sometimes, especially amid trials, it's hard to say, "Lord, I trust you. I don't know how, but I have faith you're going to handle this." If we desire to be honorable vessels, we need this faith. No matter what happens, we must always trust God. “I'm doing, Lord, what you tell me to do.” And it may not turn out the way we want it, but it will always turn out the way he planned when we follow him.
Love. That's simple. Jesus' last command is "Love one another." You cannot be a workman for God if you don't have love for one another. Unless you care about other people, you can't truly be a workman for God.
Peace. This is inner contentment that could be described as joy. Joy is the inner feeling that everything's going to be alright. It’s not happiness. Many are preaching 'Have faith and you’ll be happy'. The Bible doesn't teach a lot about ‘happy’, but it teaches a lot about joy. Happiness is based on conditions. When you hit your thumb with a hammer, you may not be happy. But you can be joyful that even if you failed in your response, you haven’t lost your relationship with God.
Follow Those with a Pure Heart
Hang out with those "that called on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Tim 2:22) This a key. Not only should we stay away from those who will cause us to fall, but stay with those who lift us up and believe as we do. Many a believer have fallen because they ran with the wrong crowd. Attend all the services of your local, Bible-believing church such as Sunday School, church, and afternoon and evening services throughout the week.
Ultimately, God wants us to live pure holy lives. He wants us to serve him and obey His will. And there’s no better way to do so than with people who believe the way you believe, who love the Lord out of a pure heart.
This devotional has been adapted from the message, Prepared for the Work, preached by Pastor Dr. Doug Mann from 2 Timothy 2:20-26.
Click here for the complete message.
Click here if we can pray for you.
Even though yesterday’s devotion gave a lot to avoid, a person is complete when they follow what is right and holy. To be a good workman, we must do the right thing; 2 Timothy 2:22 lists four ways to be pure.
Faith. We are exhorted to have faith. Sometimes, especially amid trials, it's hard to say, "Lord, I trust you. I don't know how, but I have faith you're going to handle this." If we desire to be honorable vessels, we need this faith. No matter what happens, we must always trust God. “I'm doing, Lord, what you tell me to do.” And it may not turn out the way we want it, but it will always turn out the way he planned when we follow him.
Love. That's simple. Jesus' last command is "Love one another." You cannot be a workman for God if you don't have love for one another. Unless you care about other people, you can't truly be a workman for God.
Peace. This is inner contentment that could be described as joy. Joy is the inner feeling that everything's going to be alright. It’s not happiness. Many are preaching 'Have faith and you’ll be happy'. The Bible doesn't teach a lot about ‘happy’, but it teaches a lot about joy. Happiness is based on conditions. When you hit your thumb with a hammer, you may not be happy. But you can be joyful that even if you failed in your response, you haven’t lost your relationship with God.
Follow Those with a Pure Heart
Hang out with those "that called on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Tim 2:22) This a key. Not only should we stay away from those who will cause us to fall, but stay with those who lift us up and believe as we do. Many a believer have fallen because they ran with the wrong crowd. Attend all the services of your local, Bible-believing church such as Sunday School, church, and afternoon and evening services throughout the week.
Ultimately, God wants us to live pure holy lives. He wants us to serve him and obey His will. And there’s no better way to do so than with people who believe the way you believe, who love the Lord out of a pure heart.
This devotional has been adapted from the message, Prepared for the Work, preached by Pastor Dr. Doug Mann from 2 Timothy 2:20-26.
Click here for the complete message.
Click here if we can pray for you.