A Worker Approved

2 Timothy 2:14-26

Hopewell Baptist Church

December 26, 2021

Opening Illustration

Transition

Big Idea: Christians NEVER stop being Christians!

2 Timothy 2:14–26 (ESV)

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

This is the Word of the Lord our God. Let us pray.

A Worker Approved

Recap (2 Tim. 2:1-13) – “Remind them of these thigs,”– v.14a

- Be strengthened by the Gospel

- Be entrusting the Gospel

- Be suffering for the Gospel

- Be meditating on the Gospel

- Be remembering the Gospel

I. A Worker Approved by God – 2 Timothy 2:14-19

a. To rightly handle the Word of God

i. In Reading

ii. In Interpretation

iii. In Application

b. Application

i. Church Elders – within the church

ii. Church members – within life

II. A Worker Repentant Before God – 2 Timothy 2:19-21

a. Recognizes the need for repentance

i. Luke 15:11-32 – the Prodigal son

b. Actively pursues repentance to God and his/her neighbor

i. Love God and neighbor – Matthew 22:37-40

c. Because God has chosen His people and made them Holy

i. 1 Peter 2:9-10

d. Application

i. Church Elders – within the church

ii. Church Members – within life

III. A Worker Pursuing God – 2 Timothy 2:22-26

a. Will flee from sin -v.22

i. James 4:7

ii. 1 Corinthians 10:13

b. Will pursue godliness -v.22

i. 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Timothy 6:11

c. Will act upon that godliness -v.23-26

i. James 1:22

d. Application

i. Church Elders – model for the church

ii. Church Members – pursue it in all aspects of life

IV. Christians Never Stop Being Christians!

a. Christians never stop handling God’s Word!

i. Rightly handle the Word of Truth!

ii. Look at 10 Commandments as an example (Exodus 20)

b. Christians never stop repenting of their sins!

i. Repentance is an act of love to God and to our neighbors!

c. Christians Never Stop Pursuing God!

i. Flee from Sin

ii. Pursuing Godliness

d. Christian, Never Stop Acting Like A Christian!

i. Obedience to God’s Word!

ii. Applying that Godliness to our lives

1. Theology of Work (Genesis 2:15)

2. Christians never retire

3. Always opportunities to serve

V. Respond

a. Belief

b. Obedience

c. Surrender

A Worker Approved