VESSELS UNTO HONOUR

Bible Study: VESSELS UNTO HONOUR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
2 Timothy 2:20-21 – "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some for honour and some for dishonour. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work."

Supporting Texts:
1 Peter 2:9
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 5:14-16
2 Corinthians 4:7

INTRODUCTION:
God desires each of us to be vessels of honour, set apart for His glory and service. In His great house, He has called us to be instruments that reflect His character and purpose. This Bible study will explore what it means to be a vessel of honour, how we can cleanse ourselves for this purpose, and the implications of living a life that brings honour to God.

1. UNDERSTANDING VESSELS IN GOD’S HOUSE
God's house is filled with various vessels, each with a unique purpose.

a) Definition of Vessels: Vessels are instruments or tools used for a specific function (2 Timothy 2:20).

b) Types of Vessels: There are vessels of honour (gold and silver) and vessels of dishonour (wood and clay) (2 Timothy 2:20).

c) Purpose of Vessels: Each vessel is designed for a particular purpose, contributing to the function of the house (1 Corinthians 12:12).

d) God’s Intent: God desires that we are vessels of honour, reflecting His glory in our lives (1 Peter 2:9).

Biblical Example:
The tabernacle in the Old Testament had vessels specifically designated for honourable purposes, like the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-22).

2. THE CALL TO SANCTIFICATION
Being a vessel of honour requires a process of sanctification.

a) Definition of Sanctification: Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God’s use (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

b) Cleansing from Sin: We must remove anything that dishonours God from our lives (James 4:8).

c) Pursuing Holiness: Holiness is essential for becoming a vessel of honour (1 Peter 1:15-16).

d) Seeking God’s Presence: Regular prayer and worship help us stay sanctified and connected to God (Hebrews 10:22).

Biblical Example:
The priests had to undergo purification before they could serve in the temple (Exodus 30:20-21).

3. BEING USEFUL FOR THE MASTER
A vessel of honour is one that is useful to God for His kingdom work.

a) Willingness to Serve: Our hearts should be willing to serve God and others (Galatians 5:13).

b) Utilising Spiritual Gifts: We should use the gifts God has given us to glorify Him (Romans 12:6-8).

c) Impacting Others: Our lives should reflect Christ, drawing others to Him (Matthew 5:16).

d) Participating in Good Works: We are created for good works, which God prepared in advance for us (Ephesians 2:10).

Biblical Example:
The Good Samaritan exemplified being a vessel of honour by showing mercy and kindness (Luke 10:33-34).

4. MAINTAINING A LIFESTYLE OF HONOUR
To remain a vessel of honour, we must cultivate a lifestyle that honours God.

a) Daily Renewal: Regularly renewing our minds helps us stay aligned with God’s purposes (Romans 12:2).

b) Walking in Obedience: Obeying God’s commands demonstrates our honour for Him (John 14:15).

c) Building Godly Relationships: Surrounding ourselves with other believers helps us grow (Proverbs 27:17).

d) Living with Integrity: Our actions should reflect our faith and values (Proverbs 10:9).

Biblical Example:
Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and integrity, becoming a vessel of honour in Babylon (Daniel 1:8-20).

5. THE REWARDS OF BEING A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR
God blesses those who choose to be vessels of honour.

a) Experiencing God’s Presence: Being a vessel of honour brings us closer to God (Psalm 24:3-4).

b) Receiving God’s Blessings: God blesses those who honour Him with their lives (Proverbs 3:9-10).

c) Impacting Generations: Our commitment to being vessels of honour can influence future generations (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

d) Eternal Rewards: God promises rewards for those who faithfully serve Him (Matthew 25:21).

Biblical Example:
The woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume was honoured by Him for her act of devotion (Mark 14:6-9).

CONCLUSION:
Being a vessel unto honour is a divine calling that requires our commitment to holiness, service, and integrity. As we cleanse ourselves, seek to be useful for God, and maintain a lifestyle that honours Him, we become instruments through which God can work mightily. Let us respond to this calling, knowing that God desires to use us for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for choosing me to be a vessel of honour.

2. Father, help me to cleanse my heart and life from anything that does not honour You.

3. Lord, sanctify me and prepare me for Your service.

4. Father, grant me a willing heart to serve You and others.

5. Lord, help me to discover and use the gifts You have given me.

6. Father, may my life reflect Your light and draw others to You.

7. Lord, surround me with godly relationships that encourage my faith.

8. Father, help me to live with integrity in all I do.

9. Lord, I ask for Your presence to fill my life daily.

10. Father, may my commitment to honour You influence generations to come.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you are set apart as a vessel of honour in God’s kingdom.

2. You will experience the cleansing power of God in your life.

3. I decree that you will be useful for God’s work and purpose.

4. You will walk in obedience and integrity, honouring God in all you do.

5. I declare that your life will reflect the glory of God and impact others.

6. You will receive abundant blessings as you honour God.

7. I decree that your commitment to God will influence your family and community.

8. You will experience God’s presence daily as a vessel unto honour.

9. I declare that you will receive eternal rewards for your faithfulness.

10. You are being prepared for greater works in God’s kingdom!