14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy how to be a faithful minister in all kinds of great details. He taught Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel and to correctly handle the word of truth as one approved worker. Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue righteousness and sanctification, fleeing from the evil desires of youth, that he could become a holy instrument that was used by the Master Jesus to do His good work. Though Timothy might face opposition from the people, Paul exhorted Timothy to keep his good conscience before God, continuing to teach people correctly with the word of God, and at the same time, gently instructing those who oppose him, believing that God had His own time to convert people back to His truth. Timothy's confidence must always be in Jesus who changes people's lives.
My Master Jesus, I also desire to be like Timothy, pursuing the mentoring and teaching gifts You have endowed to me that I can build up more people's lives in my ministry. At the same time, You also remind me through Paul's exhortation that pursuing righteousness, faith, love, peace together with my soul friends is the foundation of all my ministry life. Continue to grant me the patience and gentleness, like Jesus and Paul, that I can instruct or inspire those who may oppose or share totally different views from me. May I continue to experience Your presence and instructions in my life today as I open my heart and ears to You.
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