The Servant We Need to Be

Pastorals: Message Thirty-One

2 Timothy 2:22-26

ETS: Paul encouraged Timothy to live as the Lord’s servant for the sake of others’ repentance.

ESS: We ought to live as the Lord’s servants.

OSS: [MO: Ethical] {SO: I want the hearers to commit to living as the Lord’s servants for the sake of the souls around them.}

PQ: How can we live as the Lord’s servant?

UW: Ways

Intro.: A diligent worker (2:15) is one who seeks the approval of God above all else, confident in his/her ability to study the Word not bearing shame, and able to teach the Word; A useful vessel (2:20-21) is one who practices repentance, one who is honorable unto the Lord, one who is set apart for the Lord, one who is useful to the Lord, and one who is prepared for the work of the Lord; Let’s examine together how to be the Lord’s servant:

Flee youthful passions (lusts). [22a]

This is likely referring not only youthful sensual desires, but in a more broadened sense spiritually immature habits (such as arguing over useless things).

Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace… [22b]

Kostenberger explained these traits: “righteousness (moral uprightness, integrity), faith (trust in God), love (a charitable disposition toward others), and peace (harmony rather than contentiousness; see on 1 Tim 1:14).

“along those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Thomas D. Lea wrote, “Paul was not suggesting that Timothy was to practice faith, love, and peace only with believers. His statement implies that traits of righteousness, faith, love, and peace are best developed whenever a Christian stays in the company of other believers.” (Lea, 220).

Reject foolish and ignorant disputes. [vv. 23-24a]

The third time in this passage that Paul rebukes engaging in this type of talk.

Reject it “because they breed quarrels”

Be gentle, able to teach, and patient. [v. 24-25a]

This supports the point made by Thomas D. Lea in v. 22b and my statement from dealing with heresy. Still associate with the person, not the sin or heresy.

This provides the manner in which the Lord’s servant is to deal with those who oppose truth: gently, skillfully (teaching), and patiently.

Furthermore, v. 25 provides proof that the servants of God have the responsibility to instruct and deal with those who do not teach truth.

WHY? The motive behind being the Lord’s servant and living in this way is provided in vv. 25b-26 and also supported in 1 Timothy 1:5. We live as servants in this way for the purpose that the Lord might grant repentance and sobriety, a way out from the enemy’s trap and stronghold.

CONCLUSION: Tony Merida provided a beautiful conclusion to this section. Regarding the challenging call from this Passage, he wrote

These challenges make us cry out with Paul, “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Cor 2:16 ESV). Remember, “our competence is from God” (2 Cor 3:5). While we will fail at these tasks, we should take heart in the fact that there is One who fulfilled them all, and in Him and through Him we live out these exhortations faithfully. Jesus was the ultimate unashamed workman, who perfectly taught God’s Word…Jesus was the ultimate honorable vessel. He was set apart for the special occasion of rescuing sinners…Jesus was the ultimate Lord’s servant. He said He was “gentle and humble in heart” and that we can find rest if we come to Him (Matt 11:29). (Merida, 181).

Thus, we can depend on Jesus as the example and the help we need to live as servants. The challenge is difficult. The calling is weighty. The response is necessary. What is holding you back from living as the Lord’s workman, vessel, and servant the way He designed and desires?