A vessel unto honor

Note, this article is part of a topical study series.

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.

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.

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.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:19-22

Do you want to be useful for the Master? Then we must depart from iniquity. We must learn to control our members:

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Romans 6:13

Our eyes

I made a covenant with mine eyes;
why then should I think upon a maid?
Job 31:1

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Matthew 5:27-29

Our thoughts

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Our hands

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Matthew 5:30

Accountability

Two are better than one;
because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:
but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;
for he hath not another to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9

God does not ask us to do this alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says that "two are better than one". Ask someone to ask you every week how you are doing in the area of purity. Also we are told that we need to confess our sins to one another:

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16

I pray that you will be a VESSEL UNTO HONOUR, useful to the Master! God will make a way for you to escape:

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
in Christ, a fellow servant
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel
in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence,
even as the Gentiles which know not God:
1 Thessalonians 4:4-5

Other verses to consider

  • Leviticus 15:1-4
  • Genesis 38:9
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • Romans 6:12-13
  • 2 Timothy 2:21
  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - glorify God in your body

Know the Truth