Christian Living
“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. 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 2:20-21 NKJV
A vessel can be defined as a carrier of something precious, or as a medium/channel through which something is conveyed.
In the above text, the word ‘vessel’ is used in a personified sense and can be seen as representing different types of believers in the body of Christ. Each member embodies a particular gift or talent for the service of other members and for mankind generally.
Two categories of vessels are listed; the gold/silver category, and wood/clay category. Among these 2 major categories can be found another 2 groupings; vessels for honor and vessels for dishonor. Each category can be for honor or dishonor.
We are all gifted, but to differing degrees and that, not within our control, it is as God wills. We can all be useful, but to differing degrees; depending on what choices we make. We can each position ourselves as either vessels for honor or vessels for dishonor: depending on the choices we make; whether of the latter or former…
The former choice is seen in verse 15…
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.“
II Timothy 2:15 NKJV
The latter choice is seen in verse 16 and we are admonished to steer clear of them….
“But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,”
II Timothy 2:16-17 NKJV
According to Apostle Paul, A Vessel for Honor is that person who is rid of the latter; that is of- profane and idle babblings, rid of godless chattering, rid of worthless, foolish and useless talks. A Vessel for Honor embraces the former; that is he/she works hard at studying the Word and so becomes knowledgeable, confident, bold and approved by God.
Have you been in a discussion with someone after which you felt worn, empty and disconnected spiritually? You must have encountered Hymenaeus and Philetus… Ephesians 4:29 describes these kinds of talks as “unwholesome talks“.
The main problem with being like Hymenaeus and Philetus who were identified as ‘babblers’ and ‘chatters’ is not just that it limits an individual’s usefulness for God’s purpose, but this thing has the potency to spread fast (like cancer) through a section of the body.
Godless chatters, foolish and empty talks can render a group or collection of believers ineffective or almost useless in the sight of God.
What values are predominant in your local church, ministry or church group?
Discourage profane and idle talks, stay away from people who freely engage in foolish and worthless discussions, for they propagate ungodliness, turn people against God, make people disillusioned about the faith, ultimately defiling the body of Christ.
Be a vessel for honor; sanctified, holy, fully connected to, and supplied by the Vine and therefore ready, available and fit for every good work.
Shalom!
