02 Mar 2007 - II Timothy 2:22-23

Friday, March 2, 2007

Holy Spirit, I ask that you would lead me into truth, and use that truth
in my life to make me more like my Jesus so that I might glorify the
Father. Amen.

Scripture for today: 2 Timothy 2:22-23

What do you see? As you took a moment to reflect on this passage, what
did the Spirit of God bring to your mind? What specific things are you
to flee? What are you to pursue? And what is it that you should avoid?
Let me ask you another question: What do think we as Christians spend
more time doing, arguing about foolish speculations or following Paul’s
advice in these two verses?

This passage is not saying that we should tolerate false teaching.
Neither is it saying that we should ignore our own maturing in our
understanding of the Bible. It in fact gives good guidelines and exhorts
us on these very issues. However, the point Paul is making is that words
alone will not bring about the kingdom of God, much less arguing about
them. Check out I Corinthians 2:4-5.
At issue is the way in which we can become even more useful in the hands
of God for the purpose of blessing not arguing with others. That pathway
is highlighted in these two verses with three, not suggestions, but
commands: flee, pursue, and avoid.
The first and last are things to run away from. We are called to flee
the striving after and coveting of things that God has not intended for
nor given to us. We are to avoid engaging in a war of words. And in the
center, the focal point, is what we are to chase after. We are called to
pursue right living from a foundation of faith in Jesus, the love of the
Father and the peace of the Spirit.
I suppose a simple way to say it is we are always moving from something
to something. Life is not static. We are either being chased or are
doing the chasing. What we focus on is where we will go. The good news
is that we are not called to do this in isolation. We are called to do
this with others who are also seeking after God. I thank the Lord that
He has put us together in this chase.

Lord Jesus, help me to run after you with my whole heart. Show me ways
in which I can encourage and pray for (insert name) in their pursuit of
you. Amen.

Ron Musch, Lighthouse Regional Church