In a large house there are many articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.

2 Timothy 2:20

Paul wrote II Timothy while imprisoned under Emperor Nero. The church was under persecution, and he was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution. In his letter to Timothy, he warns the church to guard itself against foolish controversies. He reminds the church to avoid godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become ungodly. (v.16) The early church was being threatened with a form of Gnosticism, and he warned them not to engage in arguments surrounding heresy but to concentrate efforts on correctly handling the word of truth.

After describing the heresy, Timothy continues by describing a large house filled with articles made for noble purposes of gold and silver and those made for ignoble purposes. He calls for Christians to be noble and holy, useful for the Master’s purposes.

Paul further qualifies holiness and the standard for noble purposes:

And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct. (vv.24-25)

We are temples of the Holy Spirit and are called to fill our spiritual temples with noble articles of silver and gold, preparing a place fit for King Jesus. As we surrender to His purposes, His Holy Spirit will do house cleaning by removing the articles that are ignoble and filling the house with holiness. Paul writes that we must pursue righteousness, faith, and love and have nothing to do with foolish arguments and quarrels. We are called to be kind to everyone, able to teach, and not be resentful.

You are made for noble purposes. The Lord seeks to fill you with His Holy Spirit. He is seeking a willing heart ready to discard the ungodly attitudes of the heart and pursue righteousness. Are you prepared today to open the doors of the temple of your heart and allow Him to do housecleaning?

Are you willing to pursue righteousness, preparing your house for the noble purposes of God?

Heavenly Father,

I surrender to the work of Your Holy Spirit in me. I desire to be filled with the noble purposes of God. Forgive me where I have been a part of godless chatter and cause me to pursue righteousness, peace, and love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen