SPECIAL AND SANCTIFIED
2 Timothy 2:15-21
NIV vv.15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
The Message vv.20-21: “In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compound buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.”
Rights For Apostles devotion showed that not all Christians are pastors or priests. We don’t usually get paid money or material goods for loving others as Jesus commands us. But it’s not unusual for believers to feel unworthy to talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News of Salvation. We’re shy. We’re scared. We’ve no idea how to begin.
But those who believe in Jesus Christ, making Him Lord of their lives, are special. We’re special to God. We’re worthy. He promises to walk with us through difficult scary times. He’s given us His indwelling Spirit. The Holy Spirit will give us the words to say in every conversation, if we let Him.
God has an awesome plan for your life. He set you apart from the world for this very reason. We’re not here on earth to live how we please. But you already know that, don’t you? (See Godly Freedom devotion). Sanctification (SANK-tif-i-ka-shon means to make holy, approved) is the ongoing process of the Holy Spirit to change you into the likeness of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit’s “work in progress” won’t end until we’re done living. Eventually, those who cooperate with Him will see their attitude and desires change. His job is to transform regular people into being more like Jesus in character, conduct, and conversation. We don’t have to follow a list of rules. We just allow Christ to live through us. The more we yield to the Spirit’s leading, the more victorious our daily living.
Eight-year old Benjy thought, I could just lie about why I want a new bike. Instead he said, “Dad, this bike is too small for me. May I please get a new one?” Benjy remembered whose he was. Good boy, Benjy!
Take Home Nugget
Benjy’s dad replied, “Why don’t you hang on son?—your and Danny’s birthday is next month.” The twins were growing spiritually (being sanctified) at different rates, but their bodies were exactly the same. While Christians still sin, our spiritual growth varies according to our degree of cooperation with God’s Spirit, willingness to listen and obey.
Lord, help me to obey Jesus every day
As His faithful disciple, pleasing Him in every way.
J.D. Griffith
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