Young People's Group

BEING VESSELS OF HONOR

by Pastor Mitch
January 30, 2005

Being A Vessel In The Lord’s “Great House”

Have you ever thought of what it means to be an “instrument” whom God can use? It is good that we seek to be of use to the Lord. However, before the Lord can use us, we first need to be vessels of honor. In God’s household, there are different types of vessels.

“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.” 
2 Timothy 2:20

Some vessels are used more in the forefront for display like gold and silver wares, while wood and clay vessels are used more in the kitchen area. All of us are being used in different areas of service. Some have greater roles, while others have lesser ones. However, it does not matter whether we are “gold” or “clay”. What matters most is whether we bring honor or dishonor to the Lord. Our challenge is to be the former.

The Challenge To Be A Vessel Of Honor

“He will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” 
2 Timothy 2:21

What does it mean to be a vessel of honor? Firstly, we are to be sanctified. The word “sanctified” means to be set apart from all that is wrong and sinful. We are to be wholly consecrated to the Lord. When a person is truly sanctified, he will be a changed man. He will truly seek to live for the Lord. Secondly, we are to be useful for the Master. The idea of being useful is that the Lord will find it easy to use us in many ways. Paul saw the Lord as his Master. When the servant of God is sanctified, he will be useful for the Master. Thirdly, we are to be prepared for every good work. We will be ready to do all that the Lord wants us to. It is indeed a great challenge to be a vessel of honor.

Cleansing Our Lives From All That Dishonors The Lord

“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter…” 
2 Timothy 2:21

If we truly want to be vessels of honor, we must begin by cleansing our lives. The word “cleanse” means to purge ourselves thoroughly from all that dishonors us. We must seek the Lord to cleanse us through prayer.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 
1 John 1:9

The Lord will cleanse us from our sins when we repent of them. The Lord will do His part in cleansing us. On the other hand, we are to cleanse ourselves from all that dishonors the Lord. We are to consciously rid ourselves from all that is wrong and sinful. We must let the word of God cleanse us.

“How can a young man cleanse his way? 
By taking heed according to Your word.” 
Psalm 119:9

When we respect and obey the Lord’s word, we will cleanse our ways. Let’s seek to purge ourselves from all that is dishonoring to the Lord. Let’s seek to be vessels that will be honorable to the Lord.

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