Date: September 23, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion forever and ever, and to the Holy Ghost, who continues to dwell within us, guiding our steps.  This week’s message on Holiness: “Being A Workman Approved By God.” (Second Timothy 2:14-26.)

This passage is about servanthood, but it is also about discipleship and discipline. It is about knowing who you are in Christ and knowing who you are in Christ doing Christ-like things. It is praying this prayer and meaning it: “Let your love melt the coldness of our hearts and crush the stubbornest of our will.” I guarantee that if you pray that prayer and mean it, God will change your life forever. Paul challenges Timothy and us to be more Christ-like.

The problem with most is not finding the truth. It is facing it. The problem is breaking our stubborn will to be more Christ-like. The problem is not that God won’t change our lives. It is giving it to Him and allowing Him to change it. (verse 15) “Do your best to present yourself to God as approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and correctly handles the Word of truth.”

Doing our best is turning our lives over to God—totally. We leave no doors locked to God because we cannot earn salvation. You cannot work your way to favor with God. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God not by works so that no one can boast.” Faith in Jesus Christ. What Christ did you didn’t come to Christ. Christ went to you, found you, tugged on your hardened heart, and you responded, accepting God’s gift. It is a gift from God. Amen. That is not the end of the story; That is the beginning of the story. Christ doesn’t just want to save you; He wants to use you. He wants you to be able to live a life that is profoundly different from most lives you live around. He wants you to be a part of sharing that experience with all that you encounter. Christ came into this world to save sinners. And we are one of them. The Bible says, “Christ might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16).  When we know Christ as Lord and Savior, we should transform. Amen.

Remember, “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop