Receiving God’s Endorsement- 2 Tim 2:15-21

INTRO: GRADUATING FROM SEMINARY WAS NOT AN EASY TASK. LOTS OF HARD WORK; NO SOCIAL LIFE; MANY DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SEPARATING MYSELF TO STUDY. I HAD A GOAL…TO RECEIVE THE ENDORSEMENT FOR MINISTRY.

“Mr. President on behalf of the faculty, I am pleased to certify that these students have met the necessary prerequisites, have completed all the required work at DTS and are candidates for the Master of Theological Studies degree.”

“As the President of DTS with authority invested in me by the board of regents on behalf of the faculty and in accordance with the laws of the state of Texas, I hereby confer on these graduates the appropriate degree with all the rights, honors, and privileges attached thereto.”

Living the Christian life is not easy task. Unlike seminary, it doesn’t require completion of Greek, Hebrew, or other subjects. There is one thing that is required before RECEIVING GOD’S ENDORSEMENT - BE HOLY.

God demands - 1 Pe 1:16 “You must be holy because I am holy.”

“Why do I need to live a holy life? (Isn’t going to church good enough? I like a pretty decent life. I’m a good person.”)

1 Cor 3:16-17“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

That’s the WHY. But HOW? How do I RECEIVE GOD’S ENDORSEMENT?

ENDORSEMENT - the act of having one's approval or support - BLESSING; FAVOR; BIBLE CHARACTERS - ESTHER; DAVID; JOSIAH

v. 15 - CONCENTRATE

2 TIM 2:15 “15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

~Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple.

SPU-DAZO (not ergon) - EAGER; do something with intense effort and motivation; do your best. Whatever it is.

In order for you to do your best at any job, assignment, or task, you must CONCENTRATE.

Whatever you do is for God because you belong to Him.

If you WORK HARD you never have to be ashamed…to speak up for God; Good News.

vs 16-18 - CHILL

2 TIM 2:16-18 “Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.”

~Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they’re not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul.

Hymenaeus and Philetus...throwing believers off stride and missing the truth by a mile

HOW DO YOU CHILL? avoid foolish talk - Foolish talk’ may often be expressed as ‘to talk the way fools talk’ -

HOW DO YOU KNOW A FOOL IS TALKING? Pro 18:2 “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.”

Job 2:9 “His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”

Job 2:10 “But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.”

CHILL - don’t respond to every word but search the Scriptures; don’t entertain gossip.

V. 19b-21 - CONSECRATE

2 Tim 2:19-21 “19b “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” 20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”

Distinction between common vessels and chosen vessels.

CONSECRATION is the way you keep yourself pure….

CLOSE: We are beginning 21 Days of Consecration.

Make it your determination to:

Concentrate on Working for the Lord. Work as the special vessel ready to be used for His purpose.

Chill - Remove and Reduce conversation and focus on prayer, study the Word; 21 Day Bible Study.

Consecrate ourselves as a Church for God’s glory.

You will RECEIVE GOD’S ENDORSEMENT.