I would choose the best
II Timothy 2:20-26
I Would Choose the Best
Kirk Cameron was making $50,000 a week in 1988 as the teen heartthrob on the TV show Growing Pains when he came face to face with his own sinful, self-centered heart. Upon committing his life to Jesus, he radical changes in his life, refusing to do any scene that would be displeasing to our Lord. And he vowed to kiss no one other than his wife! Kirk would not give God his second best, but instead live a life sold-out to Jesus.
Four Pursuits to Maximize Your Effectiveness in Following Jesus:
1. A Useful Attitude
a. “In a large house there are articles [vessels] not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special [honorable] purposes and some for common [dishonorable] use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special [honorable] purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” II Timothy 2:20-21.
b. To be useful is ‘to be valuable; to be beneficial; to make a key contribution in service to God and people’. Don’t be a Christian who’s sitting on the bench! Get in the game and contribute to the team. Vow to honor God in whatever you do, never bringing shame and dishonor upon your Master.
2. A Pure Heart
a. “Flee the evil desires of you, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” II Timothy 2:22. To be pure is ‘to be unstained; without mixture; free from contamination’.
b. Actor Denzel Washington was baptized and ordained as a Pentecostal minister last December 21, only a week before turning 70. But Denzel has struggled to present a consistent Christian testimony, granting an interview less than a month earlier to a gay magazine and boasting of an acting scene where he kissed another man.
c. “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62. “Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.” Luke 17:32-34.
3. A Discerning Mind
a. “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” II Timothy 2:23-24. “I have fought the good fight.” II Timothy 4:4. Are you fighting the ‘good fight’ or a ‘foolish fight’?
b. We need to seek wisdom from the Lord so that the ‘fights’ we engage in are worthwhile, and pleasing to our Lord!
4. A Gentle Manner
a. “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that god will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” II Timothy 2:25-26.
b. Gentleness is a mark of true Christian character, modeled by our Lord. “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
c. Jonathan Roumie was flat broke and on government assistance when Dallas Jenkins invited him to play the role of Jesus on The Chosen. Today, despite being a megastar, Jonathan wrestles with feelings of inadequacy in portraying both the humility and strength of our Lord.
Heritage Christian Academy (Maple Grove) is known by their motto “Equipping Minds, Engaging Hearts, Encountering Jesus Christ”. Their president Tonya Scott is spearheading their mission to educate children with excellence while grounding them in a Christian worldview. If we at Heartland want to pass on the torch of faith to the next generation, we must all give our best! Are you committed to doing that?
Kirk Cameron was making $50,000 a week in 1988 as the teen heartthrob on the TV show Growing Pains when he came face to face with his own sinful, self-centered heart. Upon committing his life to Jesus, he radical changes in his life, refusing to do any scene that would be displeasing to our Lord. And he vowed to kiss no one other than his wife! Kirk would not give God his second best, but instead live a life sold-out to Jesus.
Four Pursuits to Maximize Your Effectiveness in Following Jesus:
1. A Useful Attitude
a. “In a large house there are articles [vessels] not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special [honorable] purposes and some for common [dishonorable] use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special [honorable] purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” II Timothy 2:20-21.
b. To be useful is ‘to be valuable; to be beneficial; to make a key contribution in service to God and people’. Don’t be a Christian who’s sitting on the bench! Get in the game and contribute to the team. Vow to honor God in whatever you do, never bringing shame and dishonor upon your Master.
2. A Pure Heart
a. “Flee the evil desires of you, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” II Timothy 2:22. To be pure is ‘to be unstained; without mixture; free from contamination’.
b. Actor Denzel Washington was baptized and ordained as a Pentecostal minister last December 21, only a week before turning 70. But Denzel has struggled to present a consistent Christian testimony, granting an interview less than a month earlier to a gay magazine and boasting of an acting scene where he kissed another man.
c. “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62. “Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.” Luke 17:32-34.
3. A Discerning Mind
a. “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” II Timothy 2:23-24. “I have fought the good fight.” II Timothy 4:4. Are you fighting the ‘good fight’ or a ‘foolish fight’?
b. We need to seek wisdom from the Lord so that the ‘fights’ we engage in are worthwhile, and pleasing to our Lord!
4. A Gentle Manner
a. “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that god will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” II Timothy 2:25-26.
b. Gentleness is a mark of true Christian character, modeled by our Lord. “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
c. Jonathan Roumie was flat broke and on government assistance when Dallas Jenkins invited him to play the role of Jesus on The Chosen. Today, despite being a megastar, Jonathan wrestles with feelings of inadequacy in portraying both the humility and strength of our Lord.
Heritage Christian Academy (Maple Grove) is known by their motto “Equipping Minds, Engaging Hearts, Encountering Jesus Christ”. Their president Tonya Scott is spearheading their mission to educate children with excellence while grounding them in a Christian worldview. If we at Heartland want to pass on the torch of faith to the next generation, we must all give our best! Are you committed to doing that?