2 Timothy 2:19-21
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."
2 Timothy 2:19-21
In the visible Church of Jesus Christ, there
are not only true Christians, but also unbelievers and hypocrites. Though many
may profess to trust in Jesus as their Savior, some continue on in sin and
unbelief, not heeding the Word of God. We may not always recognize who the true
believers are and who the hypocrites are, but the Lord knows those who are His (v.
19; cf. John
In the same way as there are in a large house vessels of gold and silver and vessels of wood and clay, vessels for honor and vessels for dishonor, so also in the visible Church of Jesus Christ there are those who trust in their Savior and live for Him, and those who do not have true faith in the Savior and who do not honor Him with their lives (v. 20). If a man cleanses himself from hypocrisy and sin, trusting in the cross of Christ for his salvation, he will be like a vessel of honor, set apart and prepared for the Master's use. He will be ready to serve his Lord and Savior in whatever good work and service the Lord calls him (v. 21; cf. John 15:1ff.).
What about you? Are you a vessel of honor? or dishonor? Do you trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior? And, have you, with the help and aid of the Holy Spirit of God, cleansed your life from false and evil ways, devoting yourself to the service of the Lord, your Redeemer? Remember, God will not be mocked; you will reap what you sow (Gal. 6:7-8). If you continue on in hypocrisy and sin, if you are not truly penitent and relying upon Christ for pardon and for strength to live for Him, the Lord knows who you are! Like a vessel of dishonor, you will not be suitable for the Lord's use, but will be cast out into outer darkness. But, if by the grace of God, you are truly sorry for your sins and trust in Christ and His blood shed upon the cross for the sins of the world, you are cleansed for His service (cf. 1 John 1:7--2:2); and His Holy Spirit is at work in you right now to sanctify and set you apart for the Lord, that you might be prepared to serve Him with every sort of good work (cf. Eph. 2:8-10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Titus 2:11-14).
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, for the sake of Thy holy and precious blood shed upon the cross for the sins of the world, cleanse us from all sin and unbelief, and make us a people set apart and devoted unto Thee and to Thy service. Amen.