2 Timothy 2:20-22

A USEFUL VESSEL FOR GOD

2 Timothy 2:20-22(NIV)

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.

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

“Being used by God is not confined to pastors,

preachers or teachers. Anybody can be an

instrument in God's hands.”

God can use anybody, believer or nonbeliever.

ROMA 9:21Wala bang

karapatan ang gumagawa ng

palayok na bumuo ng

mamamahalin o mumurahing

sisidlan mula sa iisang tumpok ng

putik?

TWO KINDS OF VESSELS: 1. VESSEL FOR

SPECIAL PURPOSE 2. VESSEL FOR

COMMON USE

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.-2 Timothy 2:20

Special purposeThey are not only useful but they are preserved, they are permanent, we want to keep them.

We do not display them. They are useful, but they are not presentable. We may

even intend to dispose of them, sometimes after only one use.

Common use

I. HOW TO BE A USEFUL VESSEL FOR GOD

A. CLEANSE YOURSELF-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 (NKJV)

Choice determines the way God uses us.

"If a man purifies himself" -- that means man has something to do with it; he has to purify himself. God will never set man's will aside and use him for a good purpose without his being willing to be used.

God does not force us to be used by him; we have the freewill to choose on our part.

But we have to do something about it

When it says, "he must purify himself," that does not mean that we have the power to deal with our own sins, to cleanse our own lives.

We do not have that power. But it does mean that we are responsible to use the cleansing that has been provided

1. Cleansing involves taking heed according to God’s word. Psalm 119:9

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to His Word.

2 Corinthians 7:1…since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit ,

perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

2. Cleansing involves emptying of yourself.

3. Cleansing involves guarding your heart. Proverb 4:23…above all else,

guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.(NIV)

Keep your heart with all diligence.(NKJV)

Above all else, guard your heart for its affects everything you do.(NLT)

Guard your heart above anything else you have because it determines the kind of life you will live.

Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts.(TEV)

The heart is the master- control of our life. A wrong heart always produces a wrong life.It is recognized as the place where mind and thought resides.Proverb 23:7…as a man thinks or believe in his heart so is he.

The enemy works thru our thoughts because he knows that if people accept his ideas in their mind he can easily conquer their will.

Acts 5:3 …kaya’t sinabi ni Pedro “Ananias” ano’t napadaig ka kay Satanas at nagsisinungaling sa Espiritu Santo! Bakit mo binawasan ang pinagbilhan ng lupa.

I. HOW TO BE A USEFUL VESSEL FOR GOD

B. Do the works of the ministry.

2 Timothy 4:5…keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.