It Starts Small

²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable.²¹ So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

2 Timothy 2:20-21

A powerful theme pulsating throughout the book of 2 Timothy is the call to stand firm, an unyielding resolve. Paul fervently urged Timothy to draw strength from God’s boundless grace. He implored him to never surrender, never waver, and to boldly cast aside any shame. In the preceding verses, we’ve witnessed Paul passionately encouraging Timothy to steer clear of distractions. Paul saw Timothy as unwaveringly focused on his divine mission. He resolutely ignored the worldly clamor and foolish gossip. With tenacity, he was to immerse himself in the Word of God, becoming a master of its profound truths!

In verse 20, we passionately discover that the lives of believers stand on an unshakable foundation. Their remarkable works are built upon this foundation. Paul presents a vivid illustration to Timothy. He urges Timothy to recognize the profound choice before him. That choice is whether to allow himself to be a vessel for God’s purpose. Imagine a house. Within its walls reside treasures of gold and silver. They shimmer with value. There are also ordinary items crafted from wood or clay. Naturally, the owner cherishes the exquisite, costly treasures made of gold far more than the mundane!

In our homes, it’s no different. Certain “dishonorable” items, like those cheap plastic trash cans, seem to fade into the background. We hardly flinch when they break. They hardly deserve our care or attention. Yet Paul poses a powerful, unspoken question to Timothy: “If you had the choice, which would you aspire to be?” Would you strive to be the shining tool, polished and revered? Or would you settle for being a worn-out rag, tarnished and overlooked?

In verse 21, Paul fervently urged Timothy to rise as a shining vessel of honor. Paul saw Timothy as a powerful tool in the magnificent hands of God. He passionately envisioned Timothy serving with unwavering devotion, fully committed to God’s purpose. If Timothy embraced this calling and refused to yield or compromise, God would uplift him. He should remain unlike Phygelus and Hermogenes mentioned in 1:15. God would honor him in remarkable ways.

Do you yearn to be of service to God? Are you dedicating your life to the Master’s purpose, or are you merely serving your own desires? Do you aspire to be honored in His eyes, or will you settle for the fleeting recognition of man?

Absolutely, we yearn for honor and long for rewards! To achieve this lofty goal, we must cleanse ourselves through heartfelt repentance, shedding every sinful and dishonorable act. God has placed us in this world with a divine purpose. He is the Master. We are His devoted servants, here to fulfill His will.

²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

Ephesians 2:20

Ephesians 2:10 fervently reminds us that God has prepared a plethora of good works for us to embrace. So, let’s reflect: what percentage of those divine tasks are you passionately pursuing? Is it a mere 5%? Or are you striving for 20%? Perhaps you’re reaching for an inspiring 90%?

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Cross-References

• John 12:26
• Matthew 25:21
• Jeremiah 18:6
• Hebrews 13:16
• Hebrews 6:10
• 1 Corinthians 3:12

Discussion Questions

• How does this passage fit in with the context of what we have studied so far?
• What kind of vessels are for dishonor?
• What do the gold/silver vessels represent?
• What do the wooden and earthenware vessels represent?
• How can you become an honorable vessel?
• How would you go about cleansing yourself?
• Who is the Master?
• How can you be more useful to the Master?
• How can you be more prepared for every good work?

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