Day 674: Pure words from pure hearts - 2 Timothy 2 vs 20 -26
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honourable use, some for dishonourable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable (from these things), he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. 25-26 God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:20-26 English Standard Version
The apostle Paul was dealing with the problem of people in the Church who continually caused arguments over issues they considered important. Obviously, there are teachings which are crucial to the Church and we should take care that the gospel message is never distorted. But there are less important things that we shouldn't quarrel over. And just as important as keeping our words pure, is the matter of keeping our hearts pure. In the verse just before today's reading Paul said “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” What does he say we must do to make sure our words come from pure heart? (vs 21)
We must put aside anything and everything in our life that God's word teaches is 'dishonourable'. He used the simple illustration of how households had utensils made from different things. Wood, clay, and in wealthier homes, even silver or gold. It's unlikely that gold would be used for a rubbish bin. While people aren't made from wood or gold, our lives are made up of conduct that is honourable and pure, or dishonourable and disgraceful. If we want to be useful to the Lord Jesus we must cleanse ourselves of the latter. What is one part of what that involves? (vs 22)
The passions of our younger days. He isn’t saying that old people don't face any temptations, but he was writing to the younger man Timothy and his generation. When we speak of passions we often think it's mainly sexual issues. But it can also apply to those who passionate about making lots of money, passionate about sports, or passionate about reaching the top of the social ladder. But these should never be at the expense of the things he urges Timothy to pursue. Things such as righteousness – faith – love – and peace. These are the things that lead to hearts that are pure.
What is the other way that wrong passions get expressed? (vs 23)
It's when people are argumentative and quarrelsome. Those who are passionate about 'being right' are often people who are quick to lose their temper. Anger is a strong passion which, if not controlled, can lead to all sorts of damage in relationships. God's people must flee from that sort of conduct too. How does he urge Christians to go about conversations and discussions on issues that may be causing conflict? (vs 24)
Kindness, patience and gentleness. We are called to show kindness to those who oppose us and who may’ve said evil things about us behind our back. We try to give gentle answers even when those we are talking to may be using harsh words against us. We want our hearts to be pure when it comes to our speech.
Verse 25-26 remind us that we are not trying to win arguments - we are trying to win souls. We are not trying to show we are cleverer than the person we are talking to, we are praying that our words might help them to see truth clearly, and to see where Satan has misled them. We must keep that in mind when we face argumentative people who may be angrily resisting or twisting the gospel message. Our longing is that God may perhaps grant them repentance.