Tuesday, 9 June 2020 2 Timothy 2:14-26
“…he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 2:21 [AMP]
Every house has both exquisite and common vessels! We treat with great care and would like to display the exquisite ones only on special occasions. Apostle Paul draws on this example of different vessels in a household to drive home a lesson of a believer’s significance in the great household of God.
Those vessels of silver and gold are treated with honour while those of wood and earthenware are commonplace for everyday use. Paul then says a believer should strive to become a vessel of honour-one which his Master would take pride in!
The key verse along with other Scripture point to process of becoming vessels of honour:
Cleansing: This is the first thing that needs to be done before a vessel can be used— a cleansing from unclean walk, contaminating and corrupting influences. Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” When the mirror of God’s Word (James 1:23) exposes the unclean in us, we need to get rid of the filth and evil in our lives and accept the implanted Word of God in us (James 1:21).
Chosen (Being Set Apart): We must be among them “the LORD knows those who are his” (V.19). We bear His name! We were once not a people but now we are His chosen ones to declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9,10). Being set apart would mean we are to be useful for honourable and noble purposes. God’s great grace in saving us “…teaches us to say "No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...” (Titus 2:12).
Consecration: 2 Timothy 1:9 says “For God saved us and called us to live a holy life.” A believer does not spend his time for the unprofitable—like ungodly chatter, foolish arguments (Vs16,23); has to flee from youthful lusts but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (V.22). He/she understands the demarcating line of that which pleases his/her Master and what does not.
Capable (ready for every good work): In doing the above, we become useful for the Master and prepared for every good work! We can present ourselves to God, “Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” (V.15) Then he will be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people, gently instructing those who oppose the truth (Vs.24,25). This way he wins many to the Lord!
Remember Ephesians 2:10 [NLT]: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Those who readily/willingly give themselves to be vessels of honour to their Master, will be set apart for His glory. God “… who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2Cor.4:6), will shine His light through such vessels that many in this dark world will be drawn to Him!
As a vessel of honour: “….put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him” (Colossians 3:10)
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