EGW Writings2 Timothy 2

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Regions Beyond

GW 464.1

The church of Christ was organized for missionary purposes. Christian missionary work furnishes the church with a sure foundation, a foundation having this seal, “The Lord knoweth them that are His.” [2 Timothy 2:19.] By it the members are inspired with zeal to deny self, to put forth self-sacrificing efforts to send the truth to the regions beyond. It has a salutary influence upon unbelievers; for as the workers labor under divine supervision, worldlings are led to see the greatness of the resources that God has provided for those who serve Him. We are laid under a most solemn obligation to furnish, in Christian missions, an illustration of the principles of the kingdom of God. The church is to work actively, as an organized body, to spread abroad the influence of the cross of Christ.

Lift Him Up

The Light of Truth, October 29

LHU 316.1

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. 2 Timothy 2:19.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1192—Progress of the Three Angels’ Messages in Cooranbong: The Helpful Medical Ministry of Sara McEnterfer

16MR 39.4

Notwithstanding there will be much to dishearten and sadden the soul because of bigotry and formalism and unbelief among those who should have faith, we can exclaim, “‘Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His’” [2 Timothy 2:19]. The worse the situation appears, the more light and life we must have. We must cherish cheerfulness, and let the world know that we are reflecting the light of the Sun of Righteousness.

Maranatha

A Sure Foundation, April 29

Mar 127.1

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. 2 Timothy 2:19.

Maranatha

The Sealing and the Latter Rain, July 23

Mar 212.1

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. 2 Timothy 2:19.

This Day With God

Oneness With Christ, May 21

TDG 150.1

Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.... If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:19-21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 31a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 31a, 1893, par. 7

Saith Paul to Timothy, “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. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” [2 Timothy 2:19-21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 12, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 37

(2 Timothy 2:19): “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 the Lord depart from iniquity.” [Read] verses 20-22.

Homeward Bound

The Greatest Battle We Face, March 7

HB 84.1

Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.—2 Timothy 2:19.

HB 84.2

The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: “Dead in trespasses and sins;” “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;” “no soundness in it.” We are held fast in the snare of Satan, “taken captive by him at his will.” (Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26.) God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 38, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 38, 1903, par. 15

“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. ... 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, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” [2 Timothy 2:19, 24-26.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1110—Study God’s Word: Be Slow To Follow Self-Styled Prophets, Including Anna Phillips

14MR 194.3

Let the Word of God speak to the soul. Teach this, impress it upon every mind. “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.” (2 Timothy 2:19-26; 1 Timothy 6:10-14.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 4, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 4, 1893, par. 16

Let the Word of God speak to the soul. Teach this, impress it upon every mind. “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.” 2 Timothy 2:19-26; 1 Timothy 6:10-14. I shall not attempt to write all that is impressed upon my mind. This is a delicate subject to deal with. But this I am instructed to say to our friends everywhere, in California and in other places: Your only safety is the deep searching of the sure Word of prophecy, making that Word your counselor. Turn not from the fountain of living waters to drink at broken cisterns.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 23, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, par. 34

I ask you to consider these Scriptures: Jeremiah 6:10, 15-19; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:19-26. Study and practice the Word.

That I May Know Him

For the Master’s Use, November 19

TMK 329.1

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:20, 21.

Manuscript Release No. 926

The Fannie Bolton Story: A Collection Of Source Documents

MR926 51.1

Letter 115, 1895, entire letter. (To Fannie Bolton, November 26, 1895)—I cannot leave without saying a few words to you. You have let impulse and feeling be your master, else you could not have done as you have done while you have been connected with me. There is a very objectionable feature in your character, which is leading you, controlling you. It is the attainment of desired objects. Your estimate of yourself, if kept within proper bounds, is right. We as human beings are to estimate our abilities, our faculties, as the gift of God, to be kept, cherished, and appreciated because they are the gift of God, and to be kept pure and holy to be devoted to God. 2 Timothy 2:20, 22.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 115, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 115, 1895, par. 1

I cannot leave without saying a few words to you. You have let impulse and feeling be your master, else you could not have done as you have done while you have been connected with me. There is a very objectionable feature in your character, which is leading you, controlling you. It is the attainment of desired objects. Your estimate of yourself, if kept within proper bounds, is right. We as human beings are to estimate our abilities, our faculties, as the gift of God, to be kept, cherished, and appreciated because they are the gift of God, and to be kept pure and holy, to be devoted to God. 2 Timothy 2:20, 22.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 106, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 12

God requires that everyone who names the name of Christ shall avail himself of His proffered gifts and depart from iniquity. “In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” [2 Timothy 2:20-22.] “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” [Hebrews 4:1, 2.] I entreat of you for Christ’s sake to rise from your low earthly state through faith in Jesus Christ, and become a vessel unto honor, “meet for the master’s use.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 15, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 15, 1896, par. 10

You feel no difficulty about doing what you like, and because of your self-confidence, bungling work has been done. This self-confidence must die, or it will kill your spiritual life. Submit yourself to God, and then you will like to do God’s will. Do not strive eagerly to do some great thing, but be willing to do what ever comes to your hand, if it is the Lord’s work. Keep self under discipline. Keep your tongue as with a bridle. Learn in the school of Christ His meekness and lowliness. Let the peace of God abide in your heart; lean heavily upon God, but do not depend one jot or tittle upon your own strength. The submission God requires of you will make you strong in His strength, wise in His wisdom, a vessel “sanctified and meet for the Master’s use.” [2 Timothy 2:21.] You can be a vessel unto honor only by being meek and lowly.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 8a, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 8a, 1888, par. 27

What are our young men doing? Jesus is waiting to bind their hearts up with His great heart of love, to bind their interests with His own. He says to them, Young men, flee youthful lusts. [2 Timothy 2:22.] Will you obey His voice? You are surely not doing this now. The truth is an inherent power and, if brought into the sanctuary of the soul, will draw men and women to Christ. It will win its way to human hearts. To those who look to Him, Christ by His Holy Spirit reveals the beauty of truth. He shows Himself to be the sin-pardoning Saviour.

In Heavenly Places

Danger at Every Step, July 8

HP 196.1

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22.

Maranatha

The Sowing and Reaping of Life, March 15

Mar 82.1

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow after righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22.

That I May Know Him

The Sowing Time, August 18

TMK 236.1

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22.

The Upward Look

Kept in the Love of the Truth, May 4

UL 138.1

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22.

The Upward Look

Look to God Alone, December 23

UL 371.1

Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22.

With God at Dawn

Flee from Lusts, April 21

WGD 113.1

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1394—Be Meek and Kind to Critics, Not Avenging Oneself; Trust in God and Seek His Guidance, Intercession, and Approval

19MR 210.2

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And 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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” [2 Timothy 2:23-26].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 19b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 19b, 1892, par. 42

Our brethren need to take heed to the injunction, “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And 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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:23-26. We shall have to meet crooked elements in the world and in the church.

7LtMs, Lt 19b, 1892, par. 43

Men will come claiming to have great light; but those who have experience in the cause of God will see that what they present as great light is great darkness. Men of this class will have to be treated according to the specifications in the Word of God. Those who are in error may become excited in advocating their views; but those who are walking in the light can afford to be calm, gentle with the erring, “apt to teach,” making manifest the fact that they ask and receive wisdom of God. They will have no occasion to move excitedly, but occasion to move wisely, patiently, “in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.” 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 76, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 76, 1893, par. 5

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” 2 Timothy 2:23. The faithful minister who engages in the work of ministering will meet with all kinds of human minds and all kinds of character and he has words of instruction from the Chief Shepherd given to the apostles: “And 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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Verses 24-26.

Reflecting Christ

We Shall Reap What We Have Sown, October 13

RC 300.1

The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. 2 Timothy 2:24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 7, 1883

4LtMs, Lt 7, 1883, par. 3

The apostle Paul exhorts, be gentle unto all men. [2 Timothy 2:24.] The outsiders must not see in you sharp traits of character which will leave a reproach upon your holy faith. In your position you are giving sermons daily. Your character should be after the divine Model, manifesting a spirit of kindness and love.

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

Individual Responsibility And Christian Unity

CET 203.3

When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor to see if the points presented can be substantiated by the inspired word. “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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Test of New Light

GW 303.2

We must learn that others have rights as well as we ourselves. When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor, to see if the points presented can be substantiated by the Inspired Word. “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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” [2 Timothy 2:24, 25.]

Pastoral Ministry

Loyalty to Adventist Doctrine

PaM 30.2

Respect the rights of others by studying to see if their presumed new light is scriptural—We must learn that others have rights as well as we ourselves. When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor, to see if the points presented can be substantiated by the Inspired Word. “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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24, 25).—Gospel Workers, 303.

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers

Individual Responsibility and Christian Unity

TM 30.3

When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor to see if the points presented can be substantiated by the Inspired Word. “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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 56, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 56, 1902, par. 12

I have never seen so good an opportunity for all who will work, to give spiritual help to their neighbors and to strangers, as is presented in the work of selling Christ’s Object Lessons. Let all who know the truth engage in this work in the meekness of Christ and in the love of God, striving to communicate the light of truth. When you are called upon to defend a point of faith, do this in the meekness of wisdom, speaking the truth in love. “The servant of God must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of that truth.” [2 Timothy 2:24, 25.]

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Order and Discipline

GW92 155.1

I was shown that ministers of Christ should discipline themselves for the warfare. Greater wisdom is required in generalship in the work of God than is required of the generals engaged in national battles. Ministers of God’s choosing are engaged in a great work. They are warring not merely against men, but against Satan and his angels. Wise generalship is required here. They must become Bible students, and give themselves wholly to the work. When they begin to labor in a place, they should be able to give the reasons of our faith, not in a boisterous manner, not with a perfect storm, but with meekness and fear. The power which will convince, is strong arguments presented in meekness and in the fear of God. Able ministers of Christ are required for the work in these last days in peril,—able in word and doctrine, acquainted with the Scriptures, and understanding the reasons of our faith. I was directed to these scriptures, the meaning of which has not been realized by some ministers: “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” “And 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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” [1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:24-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 81, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 81, 1907, par. 17

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me,” Christ said; “for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] Have you made this appear as Christ has stated it? For what reason do you put on the armor of warfare and battle so strongly? Sit down with Christ and learn of the divine Teacher. “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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” [2 Timothy 2:24-26.]

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

A Call to a Deeper Study of the Word

1888 167.4

“And 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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). The servant of the Lord must not strive, but must teach the Word of God in the manner that God has ordained. Any other way is not God’s way, and will create confusion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 15, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 15, 1888, par. 23

“And 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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but must teach the Word of God in the manner that God has ordained. Any other way is not God’s way and will create confusion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 59, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 59, 1898, par. 20

“The servant of God must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth: and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” [2 Timothy 2:24-26.] When reproved, souls may recover themselves if they will, but if they refuse to acknowledge their errors, and in self-sufficiency act as though they were insulted, the Holy Spirit cannot work with them, or improve their defective characters. If they turn away offended from the truth to fables, and cherish a feeling of revenge against the one who told them of their defects, the Lord cannot convince them of their danger, and they are left with the desire to do all the injury possible to the one who has had the moral courage to tell them of their wrong course of action in order to save them from ruin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 17, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 17, 1900, par. 8

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me,” Christ said, “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] Have you made this appear as Christ has said it? For what reason do you put on the armor of warfare, and battle so strongly? Sit down with Christ and learn of the divine Teacher. “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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” [2 Timothy 2:24-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 21, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 21, 1901, par. 16

“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; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil; who are taken captive by him at his will.” [2 Timothy 2:24-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 209, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 5

I ask you, my son, and I ask Brother W. O. Palmer, to leave yourselves in the hands of a wise, kind, heavenly Father. He will work in His own way. Whatever may be said in regard to your work, do not retaliate. Remember that you are working in full view of the heavenly universe. Seek Christ for wisdom to speak wisely, whatever others may say of you. This is your charge: “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, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” [2 Timothy 2:24-26.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Wages or Gift? November 1

AG 313.3

By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: “Dead in trespasses and sins;” “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;” “no soundness in it” (Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6). We are held fast in the snare of Satan, “taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:26). God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 5—Consecration

SC 43.2

The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: “Dead in trespasses and sins;” “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;” “no soundness in it.” We are held fast in the snare of Satan, “taken captive by him at his will.” Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.

The Faith I Live By

Our Helpless Condition in Sin, March 22

FLB 87.3

By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: “Dead in trespasses and sins;” “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint”; “no soundness in it.” We are held fast in the snare of Satan; “taken captive by him at his will.” Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.

With God at Dawn

Sinners Are Taken Captive, May 3

WGD 125.1

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:26.