A VESSEL OF HONOR


The World, the Word & You! Broadcast
Commentary by Dennis L. Finnan

TODAY IT SEEMS MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING AN IDENTITY CRISIS. THEY SIMPLY DON'T KNOW WHO OR WHAT THEY ARE. BUT, FOR THE CHRISTIAN THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE. 

I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about the identity of a Christian…

"A story is told of a man attending a political convention. Everyone was wearing big colorful buttons identifying who they were. However as this man circulated through the jubilant crowds, he came across one man with two name badges. Puzzled by this, the visitor asked the attendee why, he replied: 'Oh, I'm having an identity crisis!'" Indeed, today it seems many in the US, and around the world are having an identity crisis. We simply don't know who we are, and what we are, or what we are to be doing. Of course much of this comes because of the erroneous teaching of origins today called "evolution." Many millions of world citizens in their formative stages of life went to school and were taught that they are the product of a mindless origin. The whole human race, the world we live in the universe we gaze at on a clear night ¾ all of it has no purpose or meaning. Which of course means the same for all who "evolved" out of such an environment of existence. How sad these days that there are billions of people walking around like that man at a convention, who simply didn't know who or what he was! However, today I want to tell you, that there is no human being alive who shouldn't come to know who and what they are, and then to proceed to become all that they were meant to be. I want to tell you about it from the Word of God and in a moment we'll open the Bible to the book of 1st Timothy 2, and study verses 20-26. But now let's pause again and listen to this…

… Are you like millions having an identity crisis? The chances are, if you are NOT a born-again Christian, you are! But unfortunately, even if you are a Christian, too many still suffer an identity crisis of their own. Well let's read the Bible now in the portion I promised and then comment on the power and purpose of God's Word to give us all a life of meaning and purpose. We read from,

2 Tim 2:20-26 (NKJV)  “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

Here in Paul the apostle's letter to a young pastor named Timothy serving in the Church of Ephesus in the 1st century, God speaks and tells timothy the importance of "knowing" who he is! God didn't want this young Christian leader to have an identity crisis, so God carefully by divine revelation explained what a Christian is and does. Here in 2nd  Timothy 2, Paul outlines seven pictures of what it is to be a Christian and especially a leader among them. Time will only permit me to earmark one of them, which I feel is most important today. It is the fact that God wants Christian to realize their purpose and place in life regardless of where they live and work. The picture today these verses speak of is being "A VESSEL OF HONOR".(2 Tim. 2:21). Now in our modern terms a "vessel" simply means an instrument, a device that can be used and utilized to perform a valuable function.

In these six verses God describes a "GREAT HOUSE," which is in effect the universal church of Jesus Christ, that includes all believers regardless of their refined views of the faith, and regardless of where they live on the face of the earth. He says, the word used to describe who the Christian is to be, is the word, "HONOR." This is an interesting word. In American life it stands for esteem and recognition. In my community a child can attain esteem and recognition by getting on the HONOR ROLL in school. Why we even address our justices in courts as "your honor," meaning we believe these individuals are people of  integrity, honesty, goodness, and trustworthiness. Moreover, honor in the past was believed to be a priceless possession! The Bible states,

Prov 22:1 (NIV)  “A good name [reputation]  is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

Therefore God speaks through the apostle Paul to the Christians of the first century and tells them they "are" to be what they were born to be ¾ men and women of honor! Now to understand this, Paul appeals to a practical illustration for the people of his day. He says,

2 Tim 2:20 (NKJV)  “But in a great [large]  house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.”

Remember this word translated "vessels" was a Greek word that described various tools, utensils, and furniture found in a home then. Paul contrast two types in the "great or large house," of the Lord. There were "vessels of honor," and "vessels of dishonor." Usually, those made of wood and clay were not for any honorable or special use. Rather, for things like disposing of the garbage, and to contain the filthy waste of a household.

Yet other "vessels," instruments or containers in a household were set apart for special and sacred uses. Such were carefully stored, cleaned, polished and revered. Well, God is saying to Christians everywhere ¾ He wants every believer to realize who we are, and what we are! We are VESSELS OF HONOR! Set apart for special holy, and sacred use in this world. Paul drew from this everyday illustration his point when he said,

2 Tim 2:20 (NIV)  “In a large house there are [vessels] or  articles and instruments of gold and silver.."

The point God is making to these 1st century believers not only applies directly to Pastor Timothy and his church in Ephesus, but to every believer down through the twenty centuries that since passed, and every believer around the world ¾ we are to be what we were made to be ¾ VESSELS OF HONOR! Now exactly what was God referring to? Well, the further text tells us. We read,

2 Tim 2:21 (NIV)  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

Because everyone will not live up to their identity God gave them, some in the church will follow the ways of the world, the darkness of sin and become instruments or vessels of dishonor. God spoke to Timothy to  purge himself from them. Vessels of honor must be kept separate from the vessels of dishonor or they will become soiled and dirty and no longer be useful for the purpose for which they were made. Yes a "radical separation," was called for! So it is still today. Christians must be careful to be kept clean, from the things that bring dishonor to God, and soil their testimony and usefulness. What sort of things? Well Paul describes them for us:

2 Tim 2:22-24 (NIV)  “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

First, Paul give three noble purposes, vessels of honor were to pursue. In v.21 they are:

(1) Pursue Sanctification of Life - this means to be set apart, or kept apart from that which will defile. God wants every Christian to watch the company they keep, Christian or non-Christians. If the people they fellowship with are not walking with the Lord, honoring His Name, upholding His Word - you will soon become like them. How much these days this is a forgotten call to be sanctified or separated from sinful things and evil people. The Church is called to this collectively and individually as we read in,

2 Cor 6:16-17 (NLT)  “And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from them and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.”

Now sanctification has two sides. First, is a separation from sin and sinful things, and also a separation unto God Himself. Therefore, Christians must watch the company they keep the teachings they listen to and the things they allow themselves to see and participate in.

Secondly the Bible speaks of the need to be...  

(2) Pursue Usefulness to the Master (v.21) - Christians are to purge themselves from sinful people and things so they can be used by God. God cannot and will not use unclean vessels, regardless of whether they are His children or not. Satan's greatest work among believers in Christ is to get them soiled and for them to become unclean so they can no longer be used by God for His glory. It is the duty of every Christian to guard against become useless. In fact Paul the apostle feared this more than anything in his own Christian life and walk. He said,

1 Cor 9:27 (NKJV)  “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

"disqualified," or "castaway" as the King James version states refers not to losing one's salvation, but losing one's usefulness to God's kingdom work. A vessel that is disqualified is something that previously was made for honor, but somehow become insincere, or was flawed, or cracked. Now it had to be put on a shelf as an ornament rather than an instrument. What are you my friend? Are you one of God's ornaments, pretty to look at from Heaven's perspective, but of no good use from an earthly perspective in kingdom work? How sad many Christians have become ornaments rather than instruments! How? Well Paul answers. We read further,

2 Tim 2:22-23 (NIV)  “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.”

You see in human terms fleeing is the only way to avoid the sinful snares of life, that can snag and bring dishonor upon God's children. First the "evil desires of youth," refers to things like the lustful desire of popularity, wealth, power, jealousy, self-assertiveness and more, the normal human desires for love and sexual relationships. Sadly, many Christians have lost it here! They've failed to discipline their bodies, minds and spirits. In time they were caught in the web of sexual and sensual desires that burned out of control. Soon through sinful relationships they became vessels of dishonor, no long good for the Master's use. Even now, we must "watch" ourselves, keep ourselves from the danger of falling prey to the sensual enticements of the fallen world around us. Yes, turn off that TV or video, cast down that novel or magazine, stop looking at sensual things! You will fall and fail to be a vessel of honor, if you do!

In place of all the things that can tear down the testimony of the saints, we need to replace them with good things. The bible says, " and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."(v.22).  Yes, in our flight from the sinful desires of the fallen human heart we are to "discipline" ourselves and keep ourselves from anything that will defile us and make us useless, and to do it we must FILL our lives with wholesome things. Paul said to the Philippian Church.

Phil 4:8 (NIV)  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Positive virtues are to be pursued! The first is "righteousness, which is simply striving to conform to the teachings of God's Word for life and living. Paul tells us about it in,

Eph 4:24 (NIV)  “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Secondly we are to pursue vigorously the virtue of faith. Faith is simply sincere confidence in God and His word. You are willing to believe God in spite of the circumstances and consequences so doing will bring! The Bible says,

Heb 11:6 (NIV)  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

The Third virtue to be pursued with all the heart is ¾ the Virtue of  LOVE. This is the ability to show and render true affection for God and the brethren  in the faith. This is usually something we all have to "work" at, by exercising spiritually, and vigorously ¾ we can become vessels of honor. Do you love God? Really, then what in your love proves it? Are you committed to faithfully worshiping and serving Him in the local church? Sadly, millions of Christians attend church but rarely serve faithfully there. It’s always the few who do all the work, and regularly are there.

Now the final virtue God wants us to seek and exercise in us is 

(3)  Pursue the Virtue of Peace.

Eph 4:3 (NIV)  “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

"Make every effort," refers to just that! Do you? Are you a peacemaker in the church or a trouble maker? Do you fuss and whine whenever you don't get your way? Do you stay away from God's people and the work of the Christian fellowship because someone has offended you? Are you demanding an apology before you'll come back or work again? If so, you are the problem because you have not "loved" the brethren enough to remain in the bonds of "peace."

Yes, in the "great" house of the Lord, God wants every vessel to be one of HONOR! There are to be no dishonorable vessels. Maybe in an earthly house, but not God's heavenly house.

So I ask you are you like the man wearing two name badges in the convention, having an identity crisis? Then find out today what you are to be.

If you've taken Jesus Christ and claimed Him by a prayer of faith to be your Savior from your sins, believing that He died for you on the cross, and that God the Father has accepted His death as a substitute for yours in eternity, if you've turned your life over to God through Christ ¾ then you are a "child of God." The Bible says,

John 1:12 (NIV)  “Yet to all who received him [Jesus Christ], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—“

Those who are God's children the Bible says - flee sin, and follow righteousness. So for God to be able to use us we must empty ourselves of the sinful baggage of the world we came to Christ with. We must be empty, clean and available and God will fill us, and use us for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Now, the Good News is God can not only save us, but even if we have sinned and soiled our garment, He can wash us clean and white as snow. All it takes is as the bible says,

1 John 1:9 (NIV)  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Today friend examine your life and heart. Is it clean, pure, emptied of the world's defilement? Can God use you? Are you available? Have you taken inventory of your life and have you disciplined your body, mind and spirit to be a VESSEL OF HONOR? If so,  you have a great future ahead of you, for God will do great things with you.

But if you need cleansing now. Turn away from sin and separate from the things that defile you. What are they? The Bible tells us,

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)  “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

First of all the great call from God is every person must turn from the sin of their lives and receive Christ. Then as believers we must continue to seek our cleansing from the things that defile and disqualify us from God's usefulness. Remember who you are Christian! You are to have no identity crisis ¾ you are recreated in Christ to be a VESSEL OF HONOR, and an instrument for the Master's use. May this be a reality in your life today for Jesus sake, amen.

Yes, it's time for action! I trust the Spirit of God today has spoken to your heart. Is there any thing sin your life that need cleansing or clearing out? The do it today! Call upon Jesus Christ to come and fill you with His power, might and His glory. Then yield yourself to seek Him afresh and His will for your future. God will speak and lead you to the place of honor, where your vessel will stand and brightly shine forth its real identity in Christ. May God so bless you today.

The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 18 years, and serves as General Director.

These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.

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