Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:20-23

Vessels of Honor

Intro.

1. Life is full of decisions; Most are trivial (car, style of shoes, color of socks…); a few are significant.

2. If we are not careful, we may tend to treat the important decisions as trivial, not giving them the care and attention they deserve. (Becoming a Christian, who we will marry, children, career…)

a. To become a Christian requires much thought: The decision puts us into the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6).

b. But, how much thought have we given to whether we will be a vessel (container) of honor or dishonor in God’s house?

3. 2 Tim. 2:20-23: Timothy was making daily decisions that determined what type of vessel he would prove to be in God’s house. So are we!

4. God’s house is a great (large) house, 2:20.

a. All types and descriptions of people in the church.

b. House: China bowls, crystal, etc. Also lowly bowls to feed the dog, hold the trash… [How it is used and what is put into it determines if it is a container of esteem or contempt.]

c. Church: We may choose what type of vessel we are to be in the Lord’s house; whether for honor or dishonor.

5. Just because we have decided to be in God’s house does not mean we are vessels of honor. What kind of person is a vessel for honor?

I. THE ONE WHO PURGES HIMSELF FROM SIN, 2:21.

A. We Must:

1. Shun profane babblings, 2:16-18.

2. Depart from iniquity, 2:19.

3. Flee youthful lusts, 2:22 (1 Tim. 6:11).

4. Refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, 2:23 (14).

B. We do not put Trash into Fine China or Sin into our Hearts (2:22)!

1. Can’t put the trash of sin into our lives and be honorable vessels in God’s house! [We must look at ourselves in this light.]

2. In order to grow, Jas. 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:1-2.

3. Incompatible with the grace we’ve received, Rom. 6:1-2, 12-14.

II. THE ONE WHO IS SANCTIFIED, 2:21.

A. Separated, Set Apart or Aside for Special Uses.

1. “To separate from the world & consecrate to God. To sanctify anything is to declare that it belongs to God.”

-OT: Priests, tent of meeting (Exo. 29:44); the holy altar (29:36) and sacrifices on it (29:27); Sabbath (Neh. 13:22); Israel (Exo. 19:5-6) – All were sanctified by God for His special purposes.

2. Saint, 1 Cor. 1:2. Do you see yourself as living to please yourself or to please the one who “sanctified” you?

3. Servant of righteousness (God) unto sanctification (holiness), Rom. 6:19-22.

4. Live in holiness and honor, 1 Ths. 4:1-8 (1 Cor. 6:19).

III. THE ONE WHO IS USEFUL FOR THE MASTER, 2:21.

-cf. Shovel with a broken handle is not very useful (helpful).

-We all have talents: Whether we develop them to become “useful for the Master” is another matter (and up to us), Matt. 25:15.

A. This is a Matter of Priorities, Matt. 6:33.

1. A ready mind, 2 Cor. 8:12.

a. Poor widow was useful to God, Mk. 12:41-44.

b. Mary did what she could, Mk. 14:8-9 (Jno. 12:1-8).

c. There are those who do not do what they can, Heb. 5:12.

2. We are Christ’s only workers today; we must live up to our responsibilities to be useful to the Master.

IV. THE ONE WHO IS PREPARED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, 2:21.

A. We Must Be Ready and Available for use when Work Needs Doing.

1. Cf. Favorite skillet, pan: Handy. We are prepared for use…

a. By scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (2:15; Eph. 6:15).

b. Through God’s grace, 2 Cor. 9:8-9 (1 Cor. 15:10).

c. Over time (Seasoned, cf. skillet); 2 Tim. 4:11.

2. Once prepared, we must remain ready for every opportunity to do good, Gal. 6:10 (cf. Phil. 1:16-18; Eph. 2:10).

Conclusion

Vital decision: The type of vessel you choose to be in the house of God has eternal consequences! (2:19)

-Adapted from article by Daniel H. King Sr., Guardian of Truth, 1/5/95:14