Play Your Part

2 TIMOTHY 2:14-26

Key Verse:

"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" (2 Timothy 2:21).

J. Vernon McGee tells the story of the Negro boy down in the Southland years ago, who wanted to join a church. As the deacons examine him, they asked, "How did you get saved?" His answer was, "God did His part, and I did my part". They thought there was something wrong with his doctrine, so they questioned further, "What was God's part, and what was your part?" His explanation was a good one. He said, "God's part was the saving, and my part was the sinning. I done run from Him as fast as my sinful heart and rebellious legs could take me. He done took out after me till He run me down". Paul the apostle in this pastoral epistle emphasised the need for us to play our part after we've been saved. God sanctifies us by uprooting the sinful nature, but we keep ourselves in the love of God by separating ourselves from sin and sinners. He charged Timothy, a young minister to make effort to present himself before God a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the word of God accurately. To do this, he must separate himself from sin, keep away from youthful passions and live a holy life. He emphasised the need for self-control in order to keep away from heated arguments and other disorderly behaviour that are unsuitable to the high office to which he was called. Leaders are supposed to be role models. We must model and mirror the Christian life we preach and emphasise it through our lifestyles. As soul-winners, we must understand that our actions speak louder than our words. People will conveniently set aside our sayings and judge us by our deeds; that is why we must watch over our lives and maintain a life worthy of emulation.

Thought for the day: People judge you by your actions rather than your words.

Bible Reading in one Year: EZEKIEL 32 - 35