2 Timothy 2:20

 2 Timothy 2:20 says, But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  Paul said in the same house that there were vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earth.  We might say we have dishes for preparing food, our everyday dishes, and our fine China which would be used on special occasions.  I believe that we might use the fine China to honor people, but I don’t believe that we use the everyday dishes to dishonor people though some people might view it this way.  Of course, Paul wasn't referring to dishes, but to human characteristics or desires. We have both desire to follow God and at times to disobey Him.

Verse twenty-one adds, 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.  Paul said that if a man purged himself of sin in his life by putting His faith in Jesus Christ that he would be vessel to honor God.  We should always be the best that we can be everyday as we live for God’s glory by the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Sill, we are but a vessel to be used by God. 

Verse twenty-two continues, Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  Paul said that we as Christians should flee youthful lusts, and I believe this means no matter what age we might be.  Instead, we are to follow righteousness, faith, and peace with those who call on God with a pure heart.  I believe that this applies to how we treat all people and not just Christians.  

Verse twenty-three states, But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  Paul said we are to avoid foolish and unlearned questions.  I don’t believe that this means that we shouldn’t address what we view to be wrong beliefs proclaimed by lost people, but that we should not engage in arguments about them.  We should present God’s truth, and if they don’t accept it, we should not allow it to lead to strife in our life.  This is especially true about our understanding of God’s salvation plan and His authority.   

Verse twenty-four adds, And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,   Paul expands on what he said in the last verse. As followers of Christ, we are not to strive, or ague with others out of anger, but we are to be gentle in our dealings with them, so that we might teach them God’s word, and we are to do this with patience.  There really does seem to be a need for more of this from Christians today.  

Verse twenty-five continues, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  Paul said that we are to interact with the lost in meekness and to instruct them in God’s truth so that they might acknowledge the truth of God and be saved.  Our discussions with lost people should never be done in anger and just to justify ourselves but must be done to lead the lost to faith in Jesus Christ.   

Verse twenty-six concludes, And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  Paul said that we should do this so that lost people might come to know the truth of God and be saved from being captive to the Devil.  Our conversations should always point people to God and not just be arguments to prove ourselves correct.