A Daily Devotional

[Soldier4Christ]

Vessels of Honor

"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." (2 Timothy 2:21)
 
There are several metaphors used by the New Testament writers to help us understand aspects of God's Kingdom. "Fowls" make a home in the mustard seed "tree" (Matthew 13:31-32). "Tares" grow up with the "wheat" (Matthew 13:25). A "house" represents the church of God (1 Timothy 3:15), in which are both honorable and dishonorable "vessels" (2 Timothy 2:20).
 
The first step in becoming an honorable vessel is to "purge" oneself from that which is dishonorable. The Greek term ekkathairo and its derivatives all are connected to active cleansing from falsehoods and defilements, as well as separation from those who tolerate ungodliness. "Purge out therefore the old leaven," Paul insists, "that ye may be a new lump" (1 Corinthians 5:7). Those who are the twice-born are to "possess" their "vessel" in honor (1 Thessalonians 4:4). Some, like Paul, are "chosen vessels" (Acts 9:15).
 
All who would seek "honorable" service must be sanctified (set apart) for the Master's use. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). An honorable vessel must be prepared (ready) for good works.
 
Honorable and effective service in the house of God requires that such vessels must be willing to "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts" (1 Peter 3:15). There is no greater honor than being counted "sanctified, and meet for the master's use." HMM III

[Soldier4Christ]

Things to Flee

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)
 
There are times to stand and there are times to flee. There are some things so fearful and deadly that it is foolish to try to face them at all. The only rational course, when confronted by them, is to flee!
 
The most obvious of all such enemies is the wrath of God, for His judgment is terrible and eternal. Therefore, His message to all unsaved men and women is to "flee from the wrath to come" (Matthew 3:7—the first occurrence of "flee" in the New Testament) by receiving Christ as Savior.
 
It is wise to refrain from all kinds of sin, but certain sins have such deadly consequences, even in this present life, that the Scriptures warn us to flee from them. "But thou, O man of God, flee these things" (1 Timothy 6:11). In context, the apostle Paul is here warning against "the love of money" (v. 10) and those who suppose "that gain is godliness" (v. 5). Those who desire to be rich, he says, "fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" (v. 9). Therefore, flee from this temptation!
 
He also warns us to "flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14)—that is, from worshipping and serving any part of the creation "more than the Creator" (Romans 1:25). This warning is especially appropriate today when there is such a wide resurgence of evolutionary pantheism.
 
Also, we must "flee fornication" (1 Corinthians 6:18). This is a deadly danger to the Christian in this day of amorality. Finally, as our text says, young believers (and old believers need this admonition, too!) should "flee also youthful lusts," if we are to be able to "call on the Lord out of a pure heart." HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Faith

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." (John 1:12)
 
Scripture teaches that "by grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8), and that faith (or belief, same word) in the substitutionary work of Christ on the cross is essential to salvation (John 3:15-18, etc.). But faith does not stop there; it grows as a Christian matures. Let us look at some of the characteristics of a growing faith in God.
 
One who has accepted God's gracious offer of forgiveness and salvation, one who, by faith, has found God trustworthy, comes to trust Him and His promises in other areas as well. Paul, who had been sorely persecuted for his faith, claimed, "Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (2 Timothy 1:12). God will faithfully fulfill His promises, and we can have faith that He will.
 
The great heroes of faith, some of whom are listed in Hebrews 11, all had one thing in common. They dared to trust God for great things, even impossible things, and moved out on that basis. Consider Joshua: "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days" (Hebrews 11:30). Joshua was confronted with an impossible problem, but dared to trust God for a solution.
 
Then there is the mature faith which can "rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:7) in the face of hardship and opposition. "For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD . . . shall inherit the earth" (v. 9).
 
At every stage of our Christian lives, God allows us opportunities to exercise and expand our faith. Remember, "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6). JDM

[Soldier4Christ]

To Die Is to Live

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." (Mark 8:35)
 
The principle expressed in this verse must be of paramount importance, for it is found repeated in one way or another probably more often than any other single principle in the New Testament. Note the following examples representing at least four separate messages from the Lord Jesus:
 
Matthew 10:39: "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Matthew 16:25: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
Luke 9:24: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."
Luke 17:33: "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."
John 12:25: "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
 
This remarkable divine paradox—that to die means to live—is also found expressed in many other ways in the epistles. Paul says, for example: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live" (Galatians 2:20). Note also such Scriptures as Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 6:9-10; Philippians 1:21-24; 2 Timothy 2:11-12.
 
There are many pietistic Christians who interpret such passages as implying a so-called "deeper life" which is attained by certain Christians and not by others through some mystical experience. However, Jesus did not say to lose one's life for a deeper life, but for "my sake and the gospel's"! Christ wants us to live in simple obedience to His will as recorded in His Word, proclaiming in all we say and do that He is Creator, Savior, and coming King. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

The Two Hosts of Heaven

"Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left." (2 Chronicles 18:18)
 
This remarkable vision was granted to the prophet Micaiah, the only true prophet at the court of the evil King Ahab of Israel. Other Scriptures confirm that there really is a great host of angels at God's throne in heaven (Job 1:6; Daniel 7:10; Revelation 5:11; etc.). These are mighty angels, and they go forth at God's command (Psalm 103:20-21), especially in connection with their primary function as "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:14).
 
In addition to the angels, there is another "host of heaven"—the stars, which "cannot be numbered" (Jeremiah 33:22). Like the stars, the angels also are said to be "innumerable" (Hebrews 12:22). Both "hosts" are mentioned in Nehemiah 9:6. Angels are often associated with stars in the Bible, and are even likened to stars on a number of occasions. However, a third of the angels "kept not their first estate" (Jude 6; Revelation 12:3-9). Although angels are not to be worshipped (Revelation 22:8-9), Satan, the "anointed cherub" (Ezekiel 28:14), desired to be "like the most High" (Isaiah 14:14) and led these now-fallen angels into a cosmic rebellion against their Creator which continues to this day. They have, in fact, become associated with both the sky-images of astrology and the corresponding graven images of paganism. Paul warned that such idol worship was, in reality, demon worship (1 Corinthians 10:20). It is this particular "host of heaven" which all devotees of false religions, ancient and modern, have really worshipped when they reject the true God of creation and put their faith in some aspect of the cosmos itself. The faithful and obedient host of heaven worships God alone, and so should we. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Flee and Follow

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)
 
The first part of this two-fold command is to run away from young (new, untested) desires. Sexual immorality is especially to be avoided because "every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18).
 
Two other dangerous desires are identified in the New Testament. We are warned to "flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14) and to flee from the "love of money" (1 Timothy 6:10-11). Obviously, there are many "lusts" wrapped up in these categories. They are all dangerous because they are "untested" and deceitful.
 
Such things will inhibit and injure the Christian. "The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful" (Mark 4:19). "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:16).
 
Such warnings are so common in Scripture that it is easy to become inured to them. But they are critical to a godly life. We are told to "make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14), but to be "as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts" (1 Peter 1:14) in order to escape "the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
 
In contrast, we must follow after righteousness. The "youthful lusts" can be conquered by the "pursuit" of a godly lifestyle. Even the devil will flee if he is resisted in the faith (James 4:7). HMM III

[Soldier4Christ]

Foolish Talking

"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:4)
 
In the book of Ephesians are included several guidelines for the Christian's speech—how we should talk and what we should talk about. These are not easy rules to follow, but are necessary if we would please our Savior and be effective in our Christian lives and witness.
 
As our text indicates, vulgar talk, idle chatter, and coarse jesting should "not be once named among you, as becometh saints" (5:3). "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (4:29).
 
The same applies to bitter, angry, malicious speech. "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice" (4:31). And certainly our communications should be true and trustworthy. "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor" (4:25).
 
Thus, our words should not be crude or obscene, idle or foolish, bitter or angry, false or malicious. Instead, they should be good words, true words, gracious words, intended to edify—that is, build up—our hearers in their own Christian lives.
 
Further, if we would win others to Christ, we must always be "speaking the truth in love" (4:15). What we say to them must be fully in accord with both biblical truth and genuine Christian love. Finally, we should "be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (5:18-20). Gracious, edifying words can only come from a thankful heart. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Rejoicing Greatly

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations." (1 Peter 1:6)
 
Our lives today are continually badgered by various trials, or "manifold temptations." The trials are to bring about a pure and effective faith, pleasing to God. But the apostle Peter is not referring to trials or their results when he declares: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice." On the contrary, he is summing up a list of blessings given in the preceding three verses. As we delineate them, let us rejoice as well.
 
"His abundant mercy" (v. 3). Mercy implies a compassionate act on one who is in desperate need. In context, God's mercy was granted to us in salvation when there was nothing we could do to save ourselves.
 
"Begotten us again" (v. 3). We have been born again! We are now His children, born into His family. We now have spiritual life—eternal life.
 
"A lively hope" (v. 3)—not just a living hope—it is much more than that. We have a hope that is actively, vibrantly alive. This "lively" state was accomplished in and through the bodily "resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Our eventual, eternal resurrection is thus assured.
 
"An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (v. 4). This inheritance could not be more secure or more glorious.
 
"Kept by the power of God" (v. 5). The protection of God extends far beyond the inheritance; it encompasses the individual heir also—the one who has tasted of His mercy "through faith unto salvation."
 
"To be revealed in the last time" (v. 5). Though the saved are now freed from the penalty and power of sin, there will be a final deliverance from the presence of sin.
 
Indeed, there is much about which to "greatly rejoice." JDM

[Soldier4Christ]

Follow Righteousness

"Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)
 
The word "follow" is frequently translated "persecute" in other passages. Jesus used the word this way: "The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). The connotation of the Greek term includes a dogged and relentless effort.
 
Anyone who wants to serve the Lord Jesus faithfully must be determined to pursue righteousness. Those who "hunger and thirst after righteousness" are promised both happiness and fulfillment (Matthew 5:6). Those who seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" have the promise that God will supply all their earthly needs (Matthew 6:33).
 
Perhaps a quick review of some of the passages that require "pursuit" of a godly lifestyle would be helpful.

    "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" (Romans 14:19).
    "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1).
    "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
    "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
    "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (1 Timothy 6:11).
    "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).

Even this short list should keep all of us on our knees asking both for forgiveness and for strength to obey. HMM III

[Soldier4Christ]

The Living Word

"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." (Revelation 19:13)
 
This uniquely expressive name assigned to Christ, as He returns to Earth in glory, is used also by John in his gospel (John 1:1, 14) and in his epistle (1 John 1:1), referring both to His primeval work of creation and also to His human incarnation. It is well known that "Word" here is the Greek logos. Six times it is applied by John as a name or title of the Son of God (three times in John 1:1), the second person of the Trinity. Actually, John used it seven times, assuming that the disputed verse, 1 John 5:7 ("the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost"), is really a part of the inspired text.
 
The Greek word logos is a remarkable word, adaptable to many meanings. It is translated in the King James New Testament by about 30 other words ("speech," "saying," "reason," etc.). The lexicons add still other meanings, and some of the Greek philosophers used it to describe the intelligence behind the universe.
 
As used by John, it becomes much more specific: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). The Jehovah's Witnesses, rejecting the deity of Christ, like to translate this as "the Word was a god," but all knowledgeable Greek scholars agree that the King James rendering is correct. Then, says John, "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . . full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Even though "no man hath seen God at any time" (John 1:18), He has become knowable through His Son who has "declared him." Consequently, John also can declare Him to others. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes . . . and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; . . . That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us" (1 John 1:1, 3). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Melting Elements

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10)
 
When the atomic bomb burst over Hiroshima in 1945, the thoughts of Bible-believing Christians everywhere turned almost immediately to this verse. There was also widespread concern that man's newly discovered ability might get out of control and cause all "the elements to melt with fervent heat"! Seemingly, Peter had prophetically anticipated, 1,900 years in advance, the modern discovery of nuclear fission.
 
In this verse, the word "elements" means fundamental parts and could appropriately be applied to the basic elements of which matter is composed. The word for "melt" is usually translated "unloose," and this also is appropriate to describe atomic disintegration.
 
There is still widespread fear of a nuclear holocaust. The words of our text refer, however, not to something man will do, but to God's coming great purging of the very dust of the earth and all the age-long effects of sin and the Curse. At the very end of this present age, when the mighty Creator appears on His great white judgment throne, the ineffable glory of His countenance will cause the earth and its atmospheric heaven to flee away, "and there was found no place for them" (Revelation 20:11).
 
"Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13). God will make the earth new again, and the great Curse, which has permeated the "dust of the earth" (the "elements") ever since Adam (Genesis 3:17-20), will be "no more" (Revelation 22:3). This great hope is incentive enough to live now in the light of eternity. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Perilous Times

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." (2 Timothy 3:1)
 
There has always been some confusion about the biblical term "the last days." Many times the phrase is associated with the Great Tribulation period. Some commentaries appear to relate the era to the final days just before the Lord returns to put an end to the universe.
 
It does appear, however, that the "last days" began officially at Pentecost when the prophecy of Joel 2:28-29 was fulfilled and verified by Peter in his sermon recorded in Acts 2:14-21. That same Peter reaffirmed that the Lord Jesus "was manifest in these last times for you" (1 Peter 1:20). And, just so there could not be any doubt, the apostle John said simply, "Little children, it is the last time" (1 John 2:18).
 
Paul's warning to Timothy was that these last days will be filled with "perilous times." The Greek term translated "perilous" is chalepos. Its basic meaning is "stress" or "fierce," coming from a root word meaning to "reduce strength." Other Bible versions translate the term as "dangerous" or "difficult" times. The word could well be understood as "strength-sapping pressure."
 
The "times" that will be perilous are "seasons" or "periods" that will characterize these "last days." The verses that follow our text contain a list of the kinds of "peril" that will "stress" those who would live godly lives. This warning is not unique. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1).
 
No wonder we are told: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). HMM III

[Soldier4Christ]

Ungodly Lifestyles

"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." (2 Timothy 3:2-4)
 
The warning in the previous verse to our text for today insists that "perilous times" will characterize the last days. This list describes the types of people who will dominate the last days, and it is frightful.
 
The "self love" of these people is demonstrated by internal motivations driven by the sin nature. Such people will be "covetous"; the Greek term means "fond of silver." They will also be "boasters" (braggarts) who revel in their sinful behavior. That boasting is driven by a "proud" spirit that is arrogant, willing to show off gaudy ostentations of their conquests. Such behavior, of course, leads them to be "blasphemers," speaking evil with low, vulgar taunts designed to be injurious.
 
Part of this list includes Greek words with an "un" prefix. There are those who are un-persuadable by parents, obstinate, stubborn, and inflexible. Many are un-thankful, without grace, without thanks, and without any pleasantry. All are un-holy, without the nature to be just or moral. Some are un-affectionate, without a natural love for family or friends. There are also those who are un-reconcilable, not able to make or keep a promise.
 
Finally, there will be those who are diabolos (like the devil). They are slanderous liars, "incontinent" (without self control), savage "despisers" who are opposed to "those who are good." They will be treacherous, rash, and "high minded" people who are "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." Not fun to think about.
 
But, "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). HMM III

[Soldier4Christ]

Understanding the Word of God

"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." (Nehemiah 8:8)
 
Most people—even most Christians—devote very little time to the Scriptures, complaining that they are either too hard to understand or too uninteresting. Yet, when Ezra read "the book of the law of Moses" to the whole congregation of Israel, he read "from the morning until midday," even "one fourth part of the day," and "all the people stood up" as he read (Nehemiah 8:1, 3, 5; 9:3). Such a scenario is almost impossible to imagine today.
 
Ezra's congregation evidently understood what he was reading and found it of vital interest. "For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law" (Nehemiah 8:9). For "another fourth part |of the day| they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God" (Nehemiah 9:3).
 
Yet all they had were the books of the Pentateuch! How much more concerned we should be, and how much better we should understand, when we have the entire Bible.
 
Note that Ezra and his colleagues simply read the Scriptures and gave a straightforward exegesis. That was enough to enable the people to understand, and this brought repentance, confession, and worship. No emotional appeals, no gimmicks, no technology, just the Scriptures—taken naturally and literally.
 
The Scriptures are not hard to understand—just hard to believe, and even harder to obey. Like any book, the Bible is intended to be understood, and its author—the Holy Spirit—was able to say what He meant. The secret is in the attitude of heart with which one approaches it. "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. . . . Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:97, 104). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Thou Hast Rejected Knowledge

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." (Hosea 4:6)
 
This lament over the ancient apostasy of Israel embodies an age-long principle which surely applies to those nations today which once professed Christianity but are now dominated by humanism. Our own nation is experiencing an awful scourge of moral anarchy among our children and young people, and the reason why is because their parents and grandparents have largely "forgotten the law of thy God."
 
America—particularly its intellectual leadership—has "rejected knowledge," so its people are being "destroyed for lack of knowledge." This ignorance exists despite an abundance of supposed actual knowledge (i.e., "science") in our educational institutions, for such facts are almost universally taught in a secular context. Our teachers have forgotten that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7).
 
Even in evangelical and fundamentalist churches and schools today, there is often too little emphasis on knowledge and too much on experience. Christian faith is not "feeling"; it is volitional commitment to a true intellectual understanding of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," said Christ (Luke 13:5). The Greek word for "repent" means "change your mind!" One can only believe right if he first thinks right, and this requires true knowledge.
 
Listen again to Hosea's warning: "The LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy |i.e., 'kindness'|, nor knowledge of God in the land" (Hosea 4:1). "They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind" (Hosea 8:7). HMM