(2Ti 2:23)  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. (24)  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25)  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”  God give us wisdom in our conversations with others! We are always to seek peace, for the receiving of the truth by others requires an open heart. This cannot always be achieved, but their soul is worth our trying.

(2Ti 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”    People who love the Lord desire to please Him with their life. They will see to think in a righteous way will leads to righteous actions. Remember, as  a person “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov 23:7), so  (Php_4:8)  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” 

 (2Ti 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”   One cannot know or assess the purity of their own heart; but, they can seek to purify it by obeying God’s Word. Here we are told to follow – literally, “to pursue” these things. Will you focus your attention of them (one at a time if need be) and pursue them before the Lord? 

(2Ti 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  Human reasoning: youthful lust is only found in young people. No, youthful lust are found in the hearts of those who have not grown spiritually in Christ Jesus. Youthful lusts are those of the flesh, followed by those who have not grown to love their Lord enough to (Rom_6:11) “ Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

(2Ti 2:21) “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.”   Consider that it is through knowing and obedience to God’s Word alone that we are “prepared to every good work”. How many people spend time and effort doing “in the Name of the Lord” while not seeking His face through the Word, seeking to know Him as He desires to be known? I say to you they are “not” prepared!

(2Ti 2:21) “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use,…”  Although sincerity of heart is needed to serve the Lord, it is not an “all in itself”.  God does not fellowship with the rebellious who put their own desires before Him. It just doesn’t work that way. To love Him is to seek to know and please Him. It is a willingness to conform to His written Word. Is that you?

(2Ti 2:21) “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified,….”  The Lord through the salvation experience has sanctified us (set us apart as holy unto Himself). That speaks in regard to our eternal destination, to our being His right now. We are to live in such a way as to set our lives apart, sanctify them. In other words, live the reality of what we are already through salvation – the Lord’s. That can only be done by knowing how (through reading the Bible and being taught) and by obedience to It!

(2Ti 2:21) “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.”  If a person purge (cleanse thoroughly) from teachings that do not agree with the plain truth of God’s Word (v.16) and iniquity (injustice, wrongness of thinking thus of action) (v.19) then you will be a vessel of silver or gold. It does matter how you think and live before the Lord, brethren.

(2Ti 2:20) “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.”   It is interesting when you read of man’s understanding and belief of how these metals came about. Silver, the result of super-heated sulfur; gold not made but the result of a supernovae and neutron star collision. Point: in the life of the Believer, these precious items are the result of standing the heat of trial, confession of sin, and thus the spiritual growth of that person. It is the result of a right response towards God in all matters!

(2Ti 2:20) “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.”  Are you a vessel of honor, or a vessel of dishonor; one who cares about glorifying you Savior, or indifferent; one who will put Him first, or will put yourself first instead? As you can see, this House is great, for it is the House of the Lord God, known as the local New Testament Church. It is not a club, but a lighthouse of holiness to the Lord.