“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (II Timothy 2:19).

One of Paul’s major messages to his young disciple Timothy was to strive for purity in every area of his life. Compromise and impurity were not to be glossed over; they were to be vigorously opposed.

Concerning purity in doctrine, Paul charged: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). He was to “charge” his followers not to wrangle over trivial issues, and not to listen to false teaching (v.14). They were to “shun” vulgar and empty talk, knowing that such will only lead to more impurity and doubt (vv.16–18). Furthermore, he was to actively “oppose” those who taught or lived by any other code, doing everything possible to “recover” those ensnared by satanic lies (vv.25,26).

A prerequisite for an effective battle for purity in doctrine is purity in character. A Christian leader must be prepared for the work. “If a man therefore purge himself from these [i.e., false teaching, practices and attitudes], he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (v.21).

Finally, a Christian leader must have proper and pure relationships with both those who are under his influence and those who must be opposed. “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves” (vv.24,25).

This is without a doubt a difficult task, but as in our text, our foundation is sure, and we are known fully by the one who leads and empowers us in the task ahead. JDM