II TIMOTHY 2:19-26 - Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
If we are going to help others find their way home, we must first become a vessel of honor that God can use to help them find their way home.
- We must be clean – purge ourselves.
- Flee sinful desires.
- Seek after Holiness – 1 Peter 1:15-16 – 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
- We must be living a sanctified life – John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
1 Peter 1:22-23 – 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
- We must be committed to scriptural truth.
- We must have UNCONDITIONAL LOVE toward other believers.
- We must be obedient to the word of God which never changes.
- We must be meet – usable – ready to serve.
- Be sure we are not being used to hinder a weaker believer. Galatians 5:13 – For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
- Be sure what you do is pleasing to the Lord, not just making a show before men. Colossians 3:22-24 – Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
- God is keeping score. Do not worry about what man thinks. Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
- We must be prepared to do the work necessary to help them. I Thessalonians 5:14-16 – Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.16 Rejoice evermore.
- Be sure to treat others with patience.
- Understand there are those believers who are weak.
- Do good to those who may not be so kind to you.
- We must be ready for whatever the MASTER calls us to do.
II Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
- We must eventually answer to the Lord.
- Are you more interested in what man thinks or what your Lord thinks?
