2 Timothy 2:15-16 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
As I sit here writing this devotional, I have just destroyed a week’s worth of devotionals. I did so because they were full of vain babblings. The first lesson in executing God’s will is that you must be willing to lay aside everything you think you know and allow God to show you the way.
I am not ashamed of what I wrote. It led me to the truth. It was God’s mercy that I woke up before I released those words for publication. No amount of effort is unfruitful if it leads you to the truth.
2 Timothy 2:21 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.
The issues of being prepared unto every good work are simple, God desires cooperative will. Our willingness to cooperate is demonstrated in putting aside, purging, things that will either glorify man or satisfy self-interest. That is a long list. Longer than I care to include here. That is part of prep work.
Study the word and seek a proper understanding of the Word. Submit your understanding to sound counsel. State your honest concerns openly before learned men of sound reputation who have demonstrated faith and grace, and not just lofty words. Man puts his beliefs to work in his life and yours for that very reason.
The second thing I would like to share with you is even more important. None of this places your salvation at risk. Do or do not. Execution of God’s will has nothing to do with your personal salvation.
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
The Lord is faithful even if we are not.
The 1st thing I do in the morning is to read my daily chapter of Proverbs….chapter 8 today. As wisdom speaks starting at verse 12, I have written the reference to 1 Corinthians 1:30….”our Lord is made unto us wisdom…etc.””. I have done this years ago to remind me that whenever I read the Scriptures, it isn’t the physical writers who speak to me, but GOD, Himself. This has been my “part of prep work”. Then my part of being in His will comes under the word “submission”, and that leads to the accomplishment of His purpose, and joy for me. I love your message this morning and especially your reminding us that none of this affects our salvation…this is so important to get a firm grip on. Thank you, dear brother!