I read II Timothy 2 this morning. Look at verses 19-21:
"19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: The Lord knows those who are His, and, let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." 1 Timothy 2:19-21
Isn't it encouraging to know that the end of our sanctification is not to simply be separated from sin, or cleansed from what is dishonorable? God's work of grace and purpose does not stop at merely cleansing us, but it cleanses us so that we may be ready to perform good works. Honorable use! This is what we have been saved for! We should be careful not to look solely at our opposition to sin as evidence of grace.
The chapter goes on to exhort us not only to 'flee youthful passions' but also to 'pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace." Brothers, are we consoled that we simply spend our days fleeing sin? We can not simply flee sin to please God. Let us turn from gossip, and pursue godly encouragement. Let us flee the love of money, and pursue eternal investment of our resources. Let us turn our eyes from lust, and set them to love and care for a dying world.
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