2 Timothy 2

I read this chapter yesterday and again this morning and I think I’m beginning to get it.   I like looking for the big picture of a passage, and today I noticed that in both verse 2 and 22 Paul is advising Timothy about spending his time with the right people.  In verse 2 he is to teach the things he has heard Paul preach to faithful men who will be able to teach others.  That phrase “able to teach” recalls the qualification of elders in 1 Timothy 3.  Timothy is looking for elders and future elders to whom he can entrust the apostolic deposit, the doctrines of the gospel.  Then in verse 22 he is to pursue righteousness along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.  He’s to hang out with prayerful people.  Teaching faithful men who are able to teach others and pursuing righteousness with men who will pray with you are good uses of a young pastor’s time.

Elsewhere in the chapter, Paul mentions some stupid things you can do with your time:

verse 4- get involved in civilian affairs

verse 14- quarrel about words

verse 16- irreverent babble

verse 22- pursue youthful passions

verse 23- foolish, ignorant controversies

How are you spending your time?

2 Timothy 2:21 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.