2 Timothy 2:19 - Foundation Stone

        Scripture is the best teacher.  I’m convinced that the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to “teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (3:16).  I need Scripture for my eternal salvation - it is that important.

        There is nothing like Scripture because it quickens our senses.  God speaks directly to our minds, our reasoning, and our consciences.  Through Scripture God reminds us that He sees all that we do, He warns us not to shipwreck our faith, and He coaches us on to the finish line.

        Without reading hearing and understanding Scripture it is very hard to escape the devil’s traps.  We are insufferably stubborn.  Yet Scripture brings us back to God’s will so that we will not be arrogant.  So that we will acknowledge God in all we do and so that we, as we hold fast to Jesus, will bring glory to God.

        You see, the devil wants to keep us, at all costs, away from Scripture.  People who are held captive in the devil’s trap are used by the devil to do whatever he wants (2:26).  They likely don't want anything to do with reading the Bible.  However, they may know a lot about Scripture.  If you ask them what they are reading they will may tell you it is a book about Scripture.  

        But if we are not in Scripture - God’s word - every day then we are in grave danger.  Danger from the enemy’s schemes and the dangerous situation of not being prepared and equipped to do the good work Jesus Christ wants us to do (3:17).

        That’s what you see here with the God-inspired metaphor of the utensils.  You and I use utensils (forks, spoons, knives, bottle openers, pizza cutters, fruit cutters, pastry serving things, etc.) all the time.  Humans have invented all sorts of useful utensils.  Some are better, more useful, more expensive, and more valuable than others.  There is nothing wrong with simple utensils.  Indeed, often they are the best.  But note that God is teaching us about turning from evil and the benefits of purity.

        In a pinch, a plastic fork can come in handy (paper straws should be outlawed!).  Yet a plastic knife is quite a different thing from an expensive Chef’s knife used in the kitchen of a five-star restaurant.

        God in His infinite creativity, justice, and wisdom has a deep reservoir of good work that He wills us to do.  But Scripture makes clear that those who listen to God and restrain themselves (Jeremiah 14:10) are prepared for the special tasks of God.

        We are response able.  God gives us free will to be ready to do His will.  God is the Master chess player.  He prepares strategy, counters schemes, and chooses what to keep, and what to throw away.  Beyond that - He designed the game and the rules.  That's God's purpose and Providence.  But God’s way requires those who love Him, seek to obey Him and listen to Him.  We must read Scripture to realize what God wants us to do.  And then do it.

        The admonition here - that to be a useful and equipped man or woman of God is to turn away from evil - is to stay pure (2:21).  If we are not pure, we ask for God’s forgiveness now and get pure.  Only Jesus can forgive our sins.  Jesus Christ stands ready to do so.  God is always faithful for He cannot deny who He is (2:13).  If we are dirty and defiled - if we embrace evil things - then the Master will not use us for what has eternal significance.  Let us be holy, just as Jesus is holy.  God’s desire is for us to be holy and unified in Him.

        The world, and many in the modern church I dare say, is awash with evil people and imposters - people who are in the devil’s trap.  They are deceived and they do a great job of deceiving others (3:13).

        As Paul says to Timothy: It is different for you.  You have genuine faith.  You are a servant of God.  You are kind and patient and you can teach - you are and will be able to deal with difficult people, extra grace is required for people.

        Lord Jesus, please help us today.  Your truth, Your Scripture, stands boldly before us as a foundation stone.  Please strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ.  Please mold our hearts so that we can see clearly and soberly.  Please help us to live godly lives in Christ, for we know that Jesus loves us, advocates for us, and that God's way is wise and best.  Father God, you will rescue us and equip us for everything.  Please show us Lord God what is true, right, and wrong.  May we be innocent and pure, yet strong and powerful in Christ.  Please teach us through your holy word.  Please open our ears and help us to listen well to your teaching.  And may we obey - with sound minds and genuine faith.  Amen.

Arch, Colt, and Jack - our grandsons.  They are characters.