Bible Study
Excerpt from A Vessel of Honor and Grace (I)
A vessel is a medium or channel through which something is conveyed or a carrier of something precious. In the context of this study, and as stated in A Vessel of Honor and Grace (I), a vessel represents a person embodying a particular quality, attribute, trait, gift or talent for the service of God and the benefit of mankind.
The different descriptions of this type of vessel in the Bible include;
- vessel of honor
- vessel of grace
- vessel of dishonor
- unlikely vessels
- chosen vessel (Acts 9:15)
- The Bible also talks about weaker vessels, vessels of divine wrath, vessels of divine mercy (Romans 9:22-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:4).
A vessel of honor and grace receives and communicates only the wisdom and counsel of God derived from the Word and the Spirit.
What kind of Vessel are you?
Romans 9:21 and 2 Timothy 2:20 would seem to suggest that God made some vessel of lesser quality, importance or relevance…
“Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?”
Romans 9:21 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.”
II Timothy 2:20 NKJV
Did God really do that?
My Personal Thoughts….
That God made man in His image and according to His likeness. His purpose for doing this was primarily for fellowship. Like every other of God’s creation, man was a good creation. I would think better than any other created thing, having been made in God’s own image. And although man sinned and temporarily disconnected from God, God still made provision through Jesus Christ, for man to become reconnected to Him.
God is good, there is no evil in Him. God always presents man with the choice of good and evil, and with a clear counsel/advice to choose good. Evil emanates from the devil, who also is busy seeking willing vessels to carry out his plans. As at today, I still have a choice to be a vessel for good or evil. A choose good.
I believe that every member of the Body of Christ is gifted with special and specific talents for the overall good of all. God is a good and loving Father, He is not partial or unjust.
“Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].” 1 Peter 4:10 AMP.
Who Can Become a Vessel of Honor?
Anyone.
Any child of God can become a vessel of honor.
“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.”
II Timothy 2:21 NKJV
Refrain from evil, be committed to God (in Word and prayer), walk continually in the Spirit. That’s one way.
Saul was chosen by Jesus before his conversion. The good thing about Saul’s choice as a vessel, I think, is that he responded positively. He made a decision to refrain from evil and follow good. So, I believe anyone can become useful in the Father’s house.
Have you identified that special gift, talent or ability given to you? As a good steward, employ it in ministering to other members of the Body of Christ.
