NOTE: This is the last day that this series on 2 Timothy is available on Biblestudytools.com. To get the rest of the series, get a set of Explore devotional, either as an app or as a paper copy, here—details of a great deal below this study.
What makes something truly useful? We have all bought things because we’re convinced that they will prove indispensable, only to discover they disappoint and end up in the attic or the bin!
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TIME OUT
• What makes a Christian useful to their Lord?
• What gets in the way of Christian usefulness?
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Be clean and ready
Read 2 Timothy 2:20
• What is the contrast in verse 20?
• What is the application for us (v 21)?
The contrast is between what the master is glad to use and what is always kept hidden away. When a guest comes, dinner is served using fine china dishes, and definitely not out of a bedpan! The great news for us is that, when it comes to Christian crockery (ie: us!), we can change from bedpan to best china. For that, we must cleanse ourselves from polluting
influences (v 21).
• How does v 22 show us what that looks like?
Not only do we need to be clean of wrong desires, we also need to have right desires. Being willing to do whatever the Lord asks (v 21), in a way that is in line with the gospel (v 22)—that’s a useful, noble instrument.
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APPLY
None of us are immune from wrong desires. Maybe it is lust; or love of money; longing for possessions, or recognition; or a desire for comfort.
• Is there some radical action you know you need to take to cleanse yourself? Will you take it today? Will you pray about it now?
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Be kind and willing
Read 2 Timothy 2:23
• What mustn’t the Lord’s servant do? Why not?
• What must he do?
• How must he do it (v 25)?
When the New Testament teaches about the qualifications for service, it stresses character above gifts (eg: 1 Timothy 3:1).
Preparation for service is firstly about the shaping of our character. Kindness and gentleness are easily overlooked in the world: but not by Paul.
The Lord wants to use you and me to accomplish His great purposes. He wants us to cleanse ourselves, working on our characters so we can be used for His noble purposes. Are we willing?
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PRAY
“Oh use me Lord, use even me,
Just as you will and when and where—
Until at last your face I see;
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.”
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NOTE: This is the last day that this series on 2 Timothy is available on Biblestudytools.com. To get the rest of the series, get a set of Explore devotional, either as an app or as a paper copy, here—details of a great deal below.
This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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