SANCTIFICATION

"For by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified" (Heb10:14)

Devotion 14 of 16

SEPARATION FROM RELIGIOUS PERVERSION

"If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's us, and prepared unto every good work" (2 Tim 2:21). What are the "these" [things] in reference? These are teachers, noted for "profane and vain babblings" (v 16). Hymanaeus and Philetus, early corrupters of the doctrine, provide an example of such men. Their words brought no healing to the soul, no comfort to the spirit, and no strength for the heart. Rather, they were like a cancer: "And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus" (v 17). Those that listened to what they said were soon diseased in their thinking and affection. These imposters taught "the resurrection is past already," and thereby (by their despicable teaching) "overthrew the faith of some" (2 Tim 2:18). How tragic that such a condition is still possible!

Men like this still exist. I fear they are in far greater abundance today than they were in Paul's day. It is important to note that these pretenders cannot destroy those that maintain their faith. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his." Indeed, He will protect such against the encroachments of Satan's doctrine. They must, however, become involved in the process. It is not enough to rely on the Lord protecting you apart from your effort. Sanctification involves you as well as your God! "And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Tim 2:19).

In this text, the "iniquity" from which depart is the source of false and damaging doctrine. "If a man therefore purge himself from these [teachers], he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work" (2 Tim 2:21). If you expect God to use you, guard your mind. Do not allow a place in it for the theological garbage of those in fundamental error. You may think you are capable of deciphering all of the "strange doctrines" so popular in our time. You must remember, however, that such words "eat" as a cancer upon your mind ND soul. Your sanctification involves your mind and a conscious effort on your part to divest your heart of any and all "profane and vain babblings." There is, of course, abundant grace for this most holy work.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I seek for grace, wisdom, and strength, to divest myself of any and all false teaching and teachers.

-- TOMORROW: WHAT SOME MEN HAVE SAID ABOUT FAITH --