Introduction

1. To motivate Timothy toward faithful service, Paul used an illustration involving vessels

a. Of varying qualities and value - 2 Timothy 2:20

b. How one could be a vessel for honor, prepared for every good work - 2 Timothy 2:21

c. Thus becoming useful for the Master

2. By considering the context, we too can learn how to be

a. Vessels of gold or silver, not wood or clay

b. Vessels for honor, not dishonor

c. And thereby also becoming useful for the Master

Body

I. WE MUST WORK ON OUR PERSONAL CONDUCT

A. THINGS TO AVOID

1. Must cleanse oneself from the latter - 2 Timothy 2:21

a. Vessels of dishonor - 2 Timothy 2:20

b. Teachers of false doctrine like Hymenaeus and Philetus- 2 Timothy 2:16-18

2. Must flee youthful lusts - 2 Timothy 2:22

a. The lust of the flesh, such as fornication - 1 Corinthians 6:18

b. The lust of the eyes, such as materialism - 1 Timothy 6:9-11

3. We must avoid both wicked associations and wicked conduct

B. THINGS TO DO

1. Must pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace - 2 Timothy 2:22

a. Qualities without which no one will see the Lord - Hebrews 12:14

b. Qualities well suited for the man of God - 1 Timothy 6:11

2. With those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart - 2 Timothy 2:22

a. Together with those who sincerely love God

b. Not alone, nor in the company of those vessels of dishonor

3. We must seek both holy associations and holy conduct

II. WE MUST WORK ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS

A. THINGS TO AVOID

1. Must avoid foolish and ignorant disputes - 2 Timothy 2:23

a. That generate strife - 2 Timothy 2:23; 1 Timothy 1:4; 6:4

b. That bring ruin to the hearers - 2 Timothy 2:14

c. That increase to more ungodliness - 2 Timothy 2:16

2. Must not quarrel - 2 Timothy 2:24

a. That is, strive or fight over words - 2 Timothy 2:23

b. "engage in a war of words, to quarrel, wrangle, dispute" - Thayer

3. We must avoid discussions that are little more than word battles

B. THINGS TO DO

1. Must be gentle to all - 2 Timothy 2:24

2. Must be able to teach - 2 Timothy 2:24

3. Must be patient - 2 Timothy 2:24

4. Must correct in humility - 2 Timothy 2:25

Conclusion

1. A servant of the Lord must therefore give careful attention

a. To his personal conduct and associations

b. To his interpersonal relations

2. A servant of the Lord who does so can then be:

a. A vessel of honor

b. Sanctified

c. Useful to the Master!

3. What kind of vessels are we becoming for the Lord?

Are you even His vessel at all? Are you saved?

-- Don Treadway, April 2011 --

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