Daily Bread 6-21-16
2 Timothy 2:14-16
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
ref. - 2 Tim 4:1 - I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Titus 3:9 - But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
1 Tim 4:7 - But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto Godliness.
Today we read instruction for anyone who is trying to grow Spiritually and really seek out a calling from God in Jesus Christ. This was not instruction to just anyone. Not for novices but for young men who were growing in the faith and proving themselves to be obedient to what they were being taught. This instruction comes to each of us(men and women) who have a desire to grow and be useful to our Lord. This is not advice but it is firm instruction to what we need to be reminded of. Sometimes we fool around or joke around until things get out of hand and the gospel gets hindered. Many times we get caught up in teachings or study of things that do not profit those that we have been called to help. Though we feel that they are important to us, those around us do not profit from it. So, the main point that Paul was trying to make to Timothy and the word of God is trying to make to us today is this; Let us stay on track in the teachings and ways of Christ. Our speech and our instruction should not be to gain the approval of man, but of God. We should not hide the truth but divide it rightly and know that it is all that will truly set the captives free. Foolish questions that have little or nothing to do with our spiritual health should be avoided, dates and times that will not help us draw closer to God, foolish arguments, efforts to live under the law when we have been given the gift of grace is vanity and will not profit us while seeking after the Lord. " I did this and I did that", and "so and so did it this way" will not help anyone to draw closer to God but to man. We need to clean our speech up and not cling to tradition or wives fables(worldly opinions, potions, rituals of men, things made up around the kitchen table) but to obedience of the Gospel that has been given us at this day and time in Jesus Christ. Today you may think that this is only for ministers or men being called to be ministers but you are wrong. This is for anyone who is saved by grace and washed in the blood of the lamb, having our sins blotted out and our names written in the lambs book of life. It is for all of us who have been given this gift of mercy and grace called salvation. We are all called to grow into adults in understanding and our purpose should be to fulfill God's purpose. His will should become our will. Remember, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!! So let us tighten things up a bit, let us watch our speech, our actions, and our direction. And let us be guided by the Holy Spirit of God so instead of being unprofitable and vain, we can be useful to Him and give Him all the honor and glory that he deserves!! Have a great day!!!