“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

2 Timothy 2:21

What does it mean to be a vessel of honor for God? How can we be a good servant of the Lord? The apostle Paul states, “if a man therefore purge himself from these” things, then we can be used for the master’s work. It is interesting to note that those coming out of Bible College may not have purged themselves from iniquity before going into the ministry work to become a pastor, evangelists, or missionary work. They are assuming the part of being a vessel of honor for God. Let us remember that not all vessels are clean. There are vessels of dishonor who have not departed from iniquity. In this chapter Paul is talking about the day of Apostasy and how the servant of the Lord is to stand strong in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to study the word to show ourselves approved unto God. We are to rightly divide the word of God and not to elicit foolish teaching that is not sound doctrine.

There are many different types of vessels in the house of the Lord, but not all are a vessel of honor for God. It is important to note that the Lord knows who belongs to Him. Look at what the apostle Paul says in verse 19 of chapter two of 2nd Timothy. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.” If we would separate ourselves from all that is evil, we would be vessels of gold.

How can we become a vessel of Honor for God? A vessel of honor is a faithful servant of God. The apostle Paul warns Timothy to remember Jesus Christ as the seed of David who has risen from the dead. God’s word is not bound states Paul, therefore; He will endure all things in order that others may obtain salvation and eternal life through Christ Jesus [see 2 Timothy 2:8-10]. Those who profess the name of Christ should depart from all iniquity. No one should deny the resurrection of Christ nor the coming future resurrection, for this is our inheritance of eternal life that is promised to all believers. Those who go against the word of God create strife within the body of Christ. A servant of the Lord does not strive but is gentle towards all men, instructing those who oppose the word of God.

A vessel of honor for God is a believer who is sanctified, and fit for the master’s use, [see 2 Timothy 2:21]. Sanctified means to be set apart. The Hebrew word is “Qadash” “which means separated or consecrated for a divine purpose. As a Christian we are being equipped for God’s holy purpose. Look back at the end of verse 21, of chapter two of 2nd Timothy, come into the presence of God and be prepared to do good works. Purge your heart from all evil works, and flee from youthful lusts and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Are you following after righteousness, faith, love and peace? Are you purging your heart from all evil works?

The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all of them that believe.”

Romans 3:22

We receive our righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ and His love and peace will flow into our hearts as we yield ourselves to Him. We come out from among those who are contrary to the word of God. When we repent of our ways and anything that would compromise our position in Christ, we are separating ourselves from evil desires, motive, and actions. This includes separating from false teachers, who are described as vessels of dishonor. God can only receive us when our vessel is clean. Remember what the apostle Paul told the Corinthians.

Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

2 Corinthians 7:1

At all times we must keep our relationship pure before God and man. This is the ministry of reconciliation. Be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, [see 2 Corinthians 5:18]. Scholars have noted that a vessel can move in and out of being a vessel of honor for God. This is like the solar eclipse of the sun as was seen by some on April 8, 2024. That movement from light to dark to light is the path that some people take. We can be aware of the darkness in our own life and how we need to purge it from our life. Any kind of darkness is purged in order to see and become the light in this world. By purging we will see the manifestation of God in our life.

A song titled, “A Vessel of Honor for God” released in 1978 by Gary Paxton depicts the sentiment of what a Christian should do to be that vessel of Honor for God.

A vessel of honor for God
A vessel of honor for God
Sanctified holy so I might be.
A vessel of Honor for God

Purge me, cleans me, 
Wash me till I am holy
Chastise my thoughts till I'm pure
Make me devout in my worship of you
and hallow my reference of you.