2 Timothy: Endure, Encourage, EquipSample

Working with a purpose

Paul begins this section with a challenge: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

To further explain the character of a person like this, Paul uses the following illustration:

“In a large house, there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (2 Timothy 2:20–21).

The articles made of gold and silver are not only more beautiful or pleasing to the eye, but they can also withstand wear better than clay or wood. They are lovely but also practical, and they are “special” and created specifically to serve God, our Master. Like those articles, we are called to be vessels in the Father’s Kingdom, people who offer everything we are and everything we do to Him, desiring that our whole lives be a “good work.”

In this section, Paul dedicates a lot of focus to doing work that honors God and being someone who is committed to following God’s will, loves others, and attentively cares for His Word, which is demonstrated in the analogy of the articles of gold and silver.

So, what is “good work”? Your whole life can be. It’s humbling to think that every word you say, every action you perform, is, in a sense, “presented to God.”

But notice what Paul also says in verse 15: “Do your best.” Work toward becoming articles of gold and silver, and remember that God has a purpose and a plan for you!

1. Do you believe that you are a “good work”? How does that affect the way you live your life?
2. The phrase “good work” is twofold. You yourself are already a “good work” because God created you and called His creation good. Your life—thoughts, actions, prayers—can also be a “good work” when you devote yourself to God. Describe both those elements.
3. What do you believe the articles of gold and silver and the articles of clay and wood represent? Which one do you think you are?