VESSEL UNTO HONOUR

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.
2Timothy 2:21

What is a Vessel?
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a vessel is defined as "A person into whom a quality is infused." Simply put, A vessel is a container of qualities. The container herein referred is the person who possess the said qualities.

What is Honour?
Honour is a recognition of importance or spiritual value; An objectification of praiseworthiness or respect.

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Biblically speaking, a Vessel unto Honour is a person whose foundation is deeply rooted in Christ i.e a foundation which standeth sure (having the seal of God -2Tim 2:19) and hence becoming an indestructible vessel -2Cor 3:10-11. And CCC Hymn 283 attests that "sure foundation (salvation)" lies in Christ alone; Whosoever builds his/her foundation upon this rock(Christ) can be referred to as a vessel unto honour which is sure to withstand the "test of fire" -2Corinthians 3:12-15.

As Christian youths, we are God's chosen vessel, a peculiar people -1Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

We've been called into light with the task of illuminating the world. And in order to illuminate the world, we have to be undefiled (i.e. sanctified); being defiled is a common practice admist ignorant youths.

As soldiers who're meted out for the master's use, we've to be aware of what we're up against -Ephesians 6:12

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For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Hence the need for us to "take up the whole armour of God, so as to stand up against the wiles of the devil and having done all, to stand" -Ephesians 6:11 &13.

How then can this be achieved?
We need not entangle ourselves in carnal affairs, so as to please He who hath chosen us
-2Tim 2:4. This is because as Christians, we're the chosen ones; holy and peculiar (prepared unto every good work) -Deut 14:2, For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

Is Obedience a required quality?
Yes, it is. CCC Hymn 772 attests that Obedience is the key to life (being saved). Being a key qualifying factor for being a vessel unto honour -Exo 19:5, Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.

Don't be a Vessel unto Dishonour
Num 19:15 "And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean."
The open vessel being referred to is a vessel of dishonour; A vessel without cover to protect it from being corrupted by agents within its environment. Such vessel is termed "open and unclean" because it is filled with iniquities. However little the sin cannot come near Him (God).

Conclusion:
A vessel unto honour is a true Christian, one who understands the mandate of God for his or her life and with a burning desire to fulfill that mandate.

TODAY is the day to think deeply.
How much search have you done in your heart?
Are you a hypocrite or deceiver?
Is covetousness one of your ills?
(Extracted from CCC Hymn 772)

Ponder within your heart and ask this question "Am I a Vessel unto Honour?" Ensure the answer you give to yourself is a honest one.