Depart From Iniquity

The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, warns him of false teachers and the false messages that surround him. And after mentioning some of what these false teachers were saying, he writes, 2 Timothy 2:19,

But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

However subtle or blatant false teaching is in our day, one way it can be seen is if the message seeks to deteriorate the firm foundation that Paul lays out for us.

Does the affect of this message cast doubt on Jesus’s ability to save and keep us? Or does it cause confusion on what sin is, and our need to be saved from it?

Paul speaks of a solid foundation that bears a seal with two parts:

First, the “Lord knows those who are his.” And he wants “his” to know they are his. Those who believe in Him are known, saved, and kept. He has not left you nor forgotten you. He wants you to know that and be confident in that. Jesus has the power to save. Salvation belongs to Him and can be found nowhere else.

And this salvation is by grace through faith. It is not of our own effort or earning. We were spiritually dead, and he made us alive. He knows His sheep, and he wants his sheep to know they are his. And knowledge of that is a great comfort to us.

The second part of this seal is this: “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” If he has saved you, sin will no longer have dominion over you because you are no longer condemned under the law, but you are under grace.

Christ fulfilled the law for us. He has satisfied every demand, and paid off every debt. Through the cross, sin has been severed at the root. Its time is short. Therefore, let us depart from sin and follow Jesus.

Is there sin in your life you need to depart from? Jealousy, bitterness or envy you haven’t let go of? Patterns of lust, or anger, or cynicism?

Is there a sin that you haven’t yet departed from that you need to? Not perfectly, but with a real intent to leave it behind and become more like Jesus?

Is there a thought, attitude, or action that you have grown comfortable with despite knowing it is wrong?

If you believe in Jesus, he has really saved you, and he really means for you to leave your sin.

Depart from sin, turn away and leave it behind, distance yourself from it.

The exhortation for us this morning is this: Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.

And the first step is confession…

Prayer of Confession

Father, by your mercy, may we not be numbered with those who Jesus questioned saying, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I tell you?” May it also not be said of us, “Why do you do only some of what I tell you?”

Father, help us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Set apart our whole being for service to you. “Let no vice or sin remain.” Renew our whole self, conform us to the image of your Son. You are the author, and perfecter of our faith. You have began a good work in us and you promise to complete it. Help us see the sins that we have become comfortable with, or have been blinded by. Give us sight into these things now, as we come to you in this moment of silent confession…

Father, what a great comfort that you hear the voice of your people, and you know them. That you forgive your people, and that you heal them. Help us to rest now under your grace.