“A Clean Vessel Fitted For the Master’s Use”
ves•sel
a : a container (as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something
b : a person into whom some quality (as grace) is infused
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 New International Version (NIV)
Webster’s dictionary defines “vessel” as a container, but most importantly, as “a person into whom some quality (as grace) is infused To do any good work, means that the vessel is to be used; not displayed, as in a china cabinet. Naturally, when something is used, even if it starts out clean, over time, it will become dirty. Ivory soap, widely advertised as “99 44⁄100% Pure, so pure it floats”, nevertheless was not 100% clear of impurities. Attaining and keeping clean is a continuing process. Keeping ourselves, as “clean vessels” requires more than a squirt of Dawn into dishwater, or a shower with Dial soap. We must always utilize I John 1:9. As vessels we should strive to:
V: Be victorious over the sin that besets us
E: Endure the race that is set before us
S: Stand fast in our devotion to our Savior
S: Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit always
E: Emphatically fulfill the Great Commission
L: Live as an example to those unsaved around us
