Are You a Vessel of Dishonor, Part 2

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Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-26

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.  Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.  But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.  The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Insights: Yesterday we looked at the first three characteristics of dishonorable vessels.  The first was vessels of dishonor pursue youthful lusts.  The second was vessels of dishonor foolishly and ignorantly speculate about things they know nothing about.  The third was vessels of dishonor get themselves involved in quarrels.  Today we look at the final two characteristics of dishonorable vessels.  The fourth is vessels of dishonor need to repent in order to know the truth.  Notice Paul’s biggest concern is one’s relationship with Jesus.  One’s repentance leads to the knowledge of the truth and you will recall from Jesus, He is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but through Him.  In other words, truth is a person and His name is Jesus.  A vessel of dishonor needs a relationship with Jesus and that comes through repentance.  The final characteristic is vessels of dishonor are ensnared by the devil and held captive to his will.  When we reject the Lord and live life selfishly for our own desires, then we are going to be ensnared by the devil.  We will be held captive by him in order to do his will.  This kind of life is not what the Father desires for you.  He desire for you to be set free from such slavery and bondage.  The only way to be set free is to have a relationship with the Savior, Jesus.  Call on Him today and be transformed into a vessel of honor.

Questions:

 1. Is there something within your life of which you need to repent?

 2. Have you become ensnared by the devil in some way?

Prayer: Father, may my relationship with You and Your Son, Jesus, grow as Your Spirit guides and directs my life.  May I be humble enough to repent of sin and empowered to resist the devil so that I am not ensnared by his evil tactics. Amen.

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