Exhortation, September 26

Paul tells Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for doctrine, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Though we are reluctant to contradict an apostle, it may seem that Paul has overstated his case. All Scripture? Are the lists of names in the first nine chapters of Chronicles really ?useful for training in righteousness?E Is it really true that the dimensions of the temple are for reproof and correction? What could Paul have said about the list of temple instruments in 1 Kings 7 ?Ethe snuffers, the shovels, the tongs, and the various kinds of bowls, pans, and spoons? How does this assist us in our sanctification?

As it happens, Paul addresses this last question, and in the very same letter to Timothy. He writes ?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.?E A man, Paul adds, should ?cleanse himself?Eof the dishonorable vessels in the house of his life, so that he will be a ?vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.?E To be a useful vessel, we have to ?flee from youthful lusts?Eand ?pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace?Eand ?refuse foolish and ignorant speculations.?E Meditating on the list of temple instruments should lead to self-examination: What dishonorable vessels are cluttering my life? Have I pursued holiness so that I can be a useful vessel for my Master?

We can apply this also to the church corporately. We are the temple of the Spirit, and each of us is an instrument or tool of that temple service. Some are gold, some are bronze; some are snuffers and pails and shovels to remove ashes; some are glittering gold lamps that shine on the lampstand. But the point is: Just as every organ of the body is necessary for the body to function properly, so every instrument, every vessel, every tool is necessary if the temple worship. Each tool has its use. If you happen to be a tong in the temple of God, don?t envy the golden lampstand; and if you?re an altar, don?t despise the shovels and pails. On the less honorable vessels, we bestow more abundant honor.

Temple implements are holy. That means they belong to God, and must be used for His purposes. Since we are all temple instruments, we are called to devote all our energies, gifts, and strength to worshiping and serving God. When we think on these things, we recognize that we have often failed to do this, and instead have often presented our bodies as if they were slaves of unrighteousness.