USEFUL FOR THE MASTER

by Pastor Mitch
February 06, 2005

Being A Vessel Of Honor

Have you ever considered the possibility of being useful for the Lord’s work? When we look at our lives, more often than not, we feel that our lives do not have much use. Paul was challenging young Timothy to seek to be a vessel of honor. When we have lives that are honorable and sanctified, we will be useful for the Master.

“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” 
2 Timothy 2:21

We must be willing to cleanse our lives from all that which is dishonoring to God. There must come a definite and conscious consecration of our lives to the Lord. Bit by bit, we will grow in our usefulness for the Lord. We will seek to ready ourselves for good works. We will be able to meet different needs in the ministry. Our challenge is to be a vessel that is useful for the Master.

Fleeing From All That Is Dishonorable

“Flee also youthful lusts” 
2 Timothy 2:22

Being a vessel of honor would demand that we flee from all that is dishonoring. This is a non-negotiable. We are to flee from all fleshly lust. The idea of youthful lust is not limited to the sexual aspect. It has the idea of the lust “to be right” too. It is not uncommon for young people to strive for what they think is right. There is the lust “to be right”. We are to avoid such foolish disputes.

“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” 
2 Timothy 2:23

We are to avoid quarrelling over matters which we do not fully understand. It is easy for us to be full of pride and want our own ways. Let’s seek to avoid and flee from such ways.

Pursuing Noble And Honorable Things For Ministry

“But pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:22

Not only must we flee from that which is dishonorable, we must also pursue that which is good and wholesome to God. Paul strongly exhorted Timothy to reach for the things that really matters to God in ministry. We are to seek to be righteous before Him. We must seek to be people of integrity and moral uprightness as we serve. We are also to grow in our faith. There must be a constant growing of one’s faith in service. With increase of faith, there will also be an increase in love for the brethren. We are to love one another rather than to strive with one another in ministry. With love, there should also be the desire to be at peace with one another. There should be not be any sense of animosity and hatred with reference to the Lord’s people. We must call upon the Lord with a pure heart. Young people, let’s seek to pursue those things which are honorable and good in God’s sight. Let’s seek to be that instrument that can bring honor and glory to the Lord and not dishonor. Let’s seek to be useful for the Master.

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