2 Timothy 2 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, and love, and peace along with those who call upon the L_rd with a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. The L_rd’s slave must no quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to reach, and be patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps G_d will grant them repentance to know the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will.” 2nd Timothy 2: 22-26

I’m not much of a handyman around the house. I get by, but generally, I would rather pay a professional to do a job right than for me to struggle all day on a project, only to have to a pro redo it because of my ignorance!

One thing I have learned, is that when you’re doing a job, having the right tool can make all the difference. The same is true when we’re doing the L_rd’s work. Good intentions must be matched with the L_rd’s will & ways.

In today’s passage, Paul is instructing Timothy on the finer points of “meekness”. Meekness is not the same as weakness. Weakness is a deficiency of power, while meekness is power under submission. Imagine a horse…a very powerful creature…which must be made to submit to saddle & bridle, before he can be useful to the rider. Timothy had to be reminded to take his youthful enthusiasm and submit it to the L_rd’s will.

In the rush to do “something big for G_d”, often times, new believers forget that the goal of evangelism is win souls, not arguments. Un-meek, renegade believers make more messes than they do, converts, per se.

Beyond resisting the foolhardy passions of worldly youthfulness, Paul is exhorting Timothy against the tendency of young believers to attempt the L_rd’s work in their own strength….the wrong tool for the job.

“Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the L_rd to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might not by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the L_rd of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

It is important to remember that, as we pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, we are preparing for, and engaging in, spiritual battle. Those whom we share the gospel with have been captured in the Devil’s trap, caught-up in believing the delusions of worldliness. It is not as if, by the loudness of our arguments we will be effective. It is the power of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), working through the life surrendered to G_d’s will, which accomplishes His purposes.

There is no limit to what the L_rd will do with a surrendered and selfless life. Have you given Him yours?

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Sunday, November 3, 2013