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USEFUL FOR THE MASTER 2 Timothy 2:20-26

TB DENIS / 2021-12-10

We're hearing more and more stories about Christians who are sharing the gospel across the globe with the help of the internet and social media outlets, especially at this time of the dreadful COVID19 pandemic. It has allowed the brethren to use their God-given gifts and witness to their Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors, and even Strangers (FRANCS).

These activities remind us of the words of apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:20-21 where he compared the church to a great house with many vessels for use different ways and purposes. 

  20 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.

MAIN POINTS

#1 – AS CHRISTIANS, WE ARE VESSELS USEFUL FOR THE MASTER.

 When we obeyed the gospel, we were cleansed from our unrighteousness and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) We were added to the church. (Acts 2:41)

 Apostle Paul compares the church to a great house with many vessels that are made of different materials and values - 2Timothy 2:20

20 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.

• Some preachers teach that the vessels of gold and silver are vessels of honor, and the vessels made of stone and clay are vessels of dishonor, and these should not be displayed in this great house.

• Some also teach that our usefulness as "vessels" for the Master has nothing to do with what material we are made of. It has everything to do with being cleansed from impurities and unrighteousness to be useful for the Master. I agree with this concept.

• Some people shine a little more than the others,.

• Some people do not have the sparkle as other people do.

 We have different personalities with different roles. In the great house, there are gold, silver, wood, and clay. If we are cleansed from unrighteousness, God is pleased to use us as a vessel of honor. 

 We often pray: "God use me!" or

• "Lord, Give me opportunities."

• A more accurate prayer should be: God cleanse me.

• Because if we are cleansed and remain holy before God, , He will use us for His Glory and will pour blessings on us so that we can use them to be helpful in His Kingdom.

Let us not make excuses like, 

• I am not so gifted, or

• I do not shine like the others,

#2 – LET US LIVE A LIFE OF HOLINESS TO BE USEFUL FOR THE MASTER

Let us bear in mind that if we practice holiness, God will be pleased to use us as vessels to proclaim His righteousness. 2 Timothy 2:21

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. 

The phrase "from the latter" refers to false teachers in 2 Timothy 2:16-18.

 Vessels of dishonor may also refer to brethren who are still asleep or are still walking in a life of sensuality who need to "wake up," as mentioned in Romans 13:11-13. 

They are not useful and are therefore vessels of dishonor.

#3 – What to do to remain useful for the Master 

#3.1 - Flee from youthful lusts – 2 Timothy 2:22a

#3.2 - Pursue righteousness. - 2 Timothy 2:22b

but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart

#3.3 - We must work on our relationship with others (2 Timothy 2:23-25)

A. We must avoid foolish and ignorant disputes – 2Timothy 2:23

23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife

B. We must not quarrel. - 2 Timothy i 2:24

  24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patiently

C. We must be gentle to all. 2 Timothy 2:25

25 in humility, correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth

D. We must correct each other in the spirit of humility. 2 Timothy 2:26

 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. 

CONCLUSION.

All Christians are set apart from the world and are vessels to be used for the Master. 

#1 – We must use our gifts to be useful for the Master.

#2 – We must continue to live a holy life to be vessels of honor not dishonor.