“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. 20 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. 21 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).
After becoming a Christian, the things you do begin to count either for God’s honour or dishonour. Whereas doing “good works” doesn’t make a person become a Christian (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7), it certainly characterises someone who has become a Christian (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:17; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:8; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 2:12). Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, clearly says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” In other words, as Christians, Jesus instructs us to show forth “good works” in our lives so that God may be glorified (i.e. honoured) as people behold the “good works” that we do! And, according to the Bible, even Jesus Christ also “went about doing good works” while He was here on earth! (Acts 10:38). And, as the Head of the Church, He expects us to follow in His footsteps! That is why the Bible says, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” (Titus 3:8).
Doing “good works” is simply doing what God Himself would do in the situation, because only God is good (Mark 10:18). In other words, doing “good works” is simply choosing to obey God’s Word, and obedience is what honours God! This is the reason why the Bible says that “obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).
Now, walking in obedience to God’s Word requires, firstly, knowing what the Word of God says and, secondly, choosing to do what God’s Word says. In other words, two key things are required in obeying God’s Word – KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT TO OBEY and CHOICE TO OBEY. Therefore, you need to personally study God’s Word diligently to get to know the truth it contains so that you may rightly apply it to all aspects of your life (2 Timothy 2:15). Furthermore, choosing to obey God’s Word is choosing LIFE – God’s Overcoming Life (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
Finally, in order to become a Vessel for God’s Honour you need to allow the Word of God to help you do the following things:
Depart from Iniquity
2 Timothy 2:19 says, “…Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” To depart from iniquity simply means to withdraw from unrighteousness. It involves separating yourself from unrighteous external influences in this world. It requires doing what the Bible says in Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
As you study and meditate in the Word of God and yield yourself in obedience to it, it will guide your life in the way of righteousness and keep you away from iniquity. The Psalmist says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” (Psalm 119:9). Also, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” (Psalm 119:1-3). Also, “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133).
Purge Yourself from Iniquity
2 Timothy 2:21 says, “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.” To purge yourself from iniquity simply means to cleanse or purify yourself from unrighteousness. It involves an inward cleansing of your heart from unrighteous things that defile e.g. unforgiveness, hatred, bitterness, malice (Ephesians 4:31-32). Jesus said in Mark 7:20-23 that it is those things that proceed from the heart that defile a person! No wonder David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24).
According to 2 Timothy 2:21, it is a personal responsibility to cleanse oneself from iniquity, for it says, “If a man therefore purge himself…” This self-purging from iniquity can be achieved by diligently meditating in the Word of God with a sincere heart that desires to obey it. The Psalmist says, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:10-11). It is the Word of God that will help you discern what is in your heart and clearly show you if there is any iniquity therein. As it is written, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).
Cleave to Good
Romans 12:9 says, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Similarly, Deuteronomy 13:4 says, “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” To cleave to good simply means to stick or adhere to good. Cleaving to good is synonymous with cleaving to God because only God is good. It involves making a personal decision to consistently be a doer of God’s Word by the grace of God. It is a daily choice to make in every circumstance of life. It is the key to Godliness.
In conclusion let us pray this scripture together in Jesus’ name, “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
