The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 2:15-21, “But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and
they upset the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’
and, ‘Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.’
20 Now 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.
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified,
useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

Quite truthfully, our family has a few very nice pieces collected from various countries where we have
been privileged to minister on behalf of our LORD Jesus Christ. Still, I have to admit that most of what we have collected over the years would bring only a pitance. The value of anything is how meaningful
it is to the owner.

Sometimes the owner stumbles when attempting to decide whether some is valuable at all. Unfortuantely, the two men in verse 17, Hymenaeus and Philetus, strayed from the Truth and upset a host of serious believers. The root of Hymenaeus’ name comes from Humen, a god related to weddings and marriage. Philetus came from paganistic Rome. Bedfellows, but not strangers!

Note that they both had opportunity to receive the Gospel. They chose, however, to “stray from the Truth.” Those who propagate heresy are always those who have resisted the Truth when it was presented to them. I have read biographies of scientists, who were reared within the sound of the Gospel, but abandoned it for an evil lifestyle and an advocacy of heresy. Even the Christian Post, appears to feature those with current evil lifestyles that attract readers to what they now believe rather than the Truth they abandoned.

Paul never pulls his punches! If anyone who currently embraces evil and propagates untruth, cleanses himself by a spiritual apology to the LORD, “he will be a vessel of honor.” That repentant one will then be honored, much like gold and silver vessels. Wouldn’t it be an honor to have a replica of someone godly gracing your home? You do! His Name is Jesus and He’s right there in your Bible!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom