Take Hold of Usefulness

(2 Tim. 2:14-26)

Typically, about 20% of church members serve in church ministries and only about
regularly engage in personal evangelism.

What holds believers back from being useful?

Regardless of our excuses, God is calling us all to be useful.

Can use imagine the impact on our community, our nation, our world, if every
professed Christian became “useful”?

We shouldn’t worry about being “approved” by men (2 Cor. 3:17), or “self-approved”, but
instead, approved by God (2 Cor. 10:18; Rom. 8:33)

How often do you hear someone described themselves or another as a “good

person”?

“Approved” in the scriptural sense means tested and proven (1 Chron. 29:17) to be living
& speaking in a manner that is consistent with the Word of God.

Dokimos {dok'-ee-mos} Gk. = acceptable, pleasing, genuine (as opposed to

counterfeit)

As human beings, we all thirst for “fatherly approval”.

The Lord knows those who are His (Num. 16:5; 2 Tim. 2:19)

We should be “clean bowls”, set aside for special use, which God can use to serve the
proper food at the proper time. (2 Tim. 2:20-21)

Skeuos {skyoo'-os}Gk. = bowls, cups, vessels, instruments, implements (2 Cor.

4:7; Rom. 9:21-23)

This requires diligent/persistent effort on our part (2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pe. 1:10; 3:14)

It is easy to get distracted from this by petty squabbling (1 Tim. 1:6; 2 Tim. 2:14
& 16; Titus 3:9) and false teaching (2 Tim. 2:18; Heb. 13:9; Matt. 24:24;
Mark 13:22)

One of the best ways to avoid this is to simple turn/walk away (i.e. don’t
engage in it) (2 Tim. 2:19 & 23; 2 Thess. 3:6)

It also involves spending time studying God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15)

If we claim the name “Christian” we take on an obligation to live such an approved life
(2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Thess. 4:1)
 We are called to pursue “righteous” (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22; Rom. 14:7)

Not “self-righteous”, but instead, in harmony with God’s will

Dikaiosune {dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay} Gk. = righteous, approved, just, virtuous,

maintaining integrity

We are called pursue faith (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22)

Having confidence in God

Pistis {pis'-tis}Gk. = convinced of the existence, truthfulness, faithfulness, love

and power of God

This must be sincere/unfeigned (1 Tim. 1:5)

We are called to pursue love for others (1 Tim. 1:5; 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22; Eph. 5:2)

Agape {ag-ah'-pay}Gk. = means an active and beneficent, interest in, and concern
for, the well-being of another. It involves self-sacrifice (Eph. 5:2). It suggests
closeness/intimacy. It is given unconditionally and unselfishly. It involves
a clear determination of will and judgment (i.e. a responsible choice). A loving person,
honestly (Rom. 12:9) gives respect and demonstrates compassion.
Demonstrating such love often requires courage. The source of
such love comes “from above” (James 1:17). See also 1 Cor.13:4-8 for a list
of additional characteristics of such love. The New Testament uses this
term nearly 150 times.

We are called to pursue peace (2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:14; Rom. 14:7 & 19)

Eirene {i-ray'-nay}Gk. = a blessed state of tranquility, harmony, friendship,

security, prosperity and freedom from fear

This involves gentleness, patience (2 Tim. 2:24 & 5) meekness (power under
control) (1 Tim. 6:11; Titus 3:2; Eph. 4:2) and forbearance (Col. 3:13)

Along with a pure heart (1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:22)

Katharos {kath-ar-os'} Gk. = purified, cleansed (as by fire), unblended (single-

minded = of integrity), Kardia {kar-dee'-ah}Gk. = heart, soul, mind

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see (optanomai {op-tan'-om-
ahee} = see, behold) God (Matt. 5:8; See also Ps. 24:3-5, enter a
holy place, and 2 Tim. 2:22, be able to call upon God)

God “blesses” us by maintaining an intimate relationship with us

(Ps. 1:6)