The Character of a Soldier of God: Part 3

Thus far in our study of 2 Timothy we've seen 5 characteristics of a Soldier of God (Strong, Singled-Minded, Strict, secure, & Sound in Faith). Click here if you haven't read part one. Click here if you haven't read part two. Also if you'd like to follow along or use this devo with your students you can click here for student worksheets. Today I'd like to explore two more characteristics in these next 7 verses. 

Let's start by looking at 2 Timothy 20:26. 

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. 24 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 26 Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will. - 2 Timothy 2:20-26

In this scripture, two characteristics stand out:

I. A Soldier of God is Sanctified (v20-23)
The word sanctified here means to be "set apart, pure, free from sin." Now obviously we can't be expected to be totally free from sin, but our aim should always be to mirror Christ who DID live a sinless life.

Look back at verse 20. If I tell you that the "large house" represents the church, what do the different bowls represent? The gold and silver bowls are the Christians who resemble Christ, not by their standards, but by God's standards. When the world looks at these bowls "Christians" its obvious that something is different, they are set apart, sanctified. But what about the bowls of wood and clay? These bowls "Christians" are the ones who have missed the mark and resemble the world and not Christ. Verse 21 says that if we are this type of bowl "Christian" we always have the option to turn around and follow Christ. Also if we are the gold/silver bowls we don't need to surround ourselves with the wood/clay bowls. Basically, if your friends are hindering you from following God, or you notice you don't honor God with them, it's time to get new friends.

II. A Solider of God is a Servant/Slave (v24-26)

Depending on the translation you read from you may see bond-servant or slave in verse 24. Understand that during this time that slaves weren't the same as what we in America view them to be today. When Paul wrote this, a slave/servant was just another member of society who owed money or something else to another member of society. Instead of paying back with money, sometimes they would work off their repayment. Same could be true for us. Chris paid the ultimate price for us by dying on the cross. For that we will forever be in debt. This is something we can never pay back, so instead we are to live our lives for Him. We are all slaves to something/someone. Either a slave to the world and sin or a slave to Christ.

These 3 verses tell us to be gentle and patient but to correct people when they are wrong.
   Now wait, is Paul telling us to correct others when they mess up??? Eh...
Paul says we are to be gentle in our correction this means with love. The goal of correction isn't to prove ourselves right and others wrong, the goal has a threefold meaning:

I. It could bring them to repentance, (II) which leads them to the truth, (III) allowing them to escape the Devil's trap.

Look at your life this week. Does your life showcase the 7 characteristics outlined in Paul's letter: (Strong, Singled-Minded, Strict, Secure, Sound of Faith, Sanctified, Servant)? We all have our areas of strengths and weaknesses. Define yours and look for ways to capitalize on your strengths and work to improve on your weaknesses. Next week we will continue our study through 2 Timothy but switch gears and look at the cautions for a soldier of God.

Grounded in Christ,

Bro. Austin