GOD’S HOUSE THOROUGHLY FURNISHED…Bill Thoughts For Today…

Understanding important truths from the Bible….

II Timothy 2:20  

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 

Paul’s doctrinal genius is undisputed by all who are familiar with the whole of his writings.  The fact of bad conduct, careless living, and false teaching has a long history among God’s elect people.  This is as old as the people of Israel.  And it is the common concern of the Prophets as well as the Apostles.

From 2:14 to 2:19 Paul reminded them of the fact that there was foolish babbling and false doctrine.  This was to be expected because “in a great house,” diversity which included error was to be expected.  Therefore the fact of it should not discourage those who had to experience it.

The “not only….but also”, continues with us.  However we desire “only vessels of gold and silver”, that will   not be all that we shall have to see and hear.  There is going to be, “wood and clay, some for honorable use, and some for dishonorable use.”

There are three lessons for us in this verse. 

1.  The one who owns the house furnishes it to serve his use.  Different vessels made for different uses have different standards for their construction  But all are built to satisfy the intention of the owner. 

2.  The different construction of the vessels does not mean that they will not serve their purpose.  Pharaoh was raised up for a particular purpose.  Judas was “the son of destruction”.  Their construction was in order to their usefulness. 

3.  When our understanding is most in line with the Scriptures we will see that no matter whether the construction of the vessel was to honor or dishonor “God’s firm foundation stands”.  There is also the unchanging Biblical demand that “everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

As you must expect the purpose of Grace is always a holy expectation.  The seal of God’s foundation is written on both sides.  One is to assure us of the everlasting quality of grace.  The other is a demand for righteousness worked out with fear and trembling.

Please read Romans 6:1-2.