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| Pastor Timothy O. A. Yerokun, PhD |
Text - II Tim. 2:20-21
20 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.
21 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.
Introduction
One of the greatest remonstrance and demur is the issue of comparison among believers and it has paved way for denomination syncretism and left individuals with lack of contentment, self-centered, and dubious motives of making it at all cost.
Human beings woefully fail to understand that we are not created to run the same race. The Grace may be the same but the race are different. From the agenda of God, some were sent with the baton to pastor 50 people, while some were sent to pastor more than thousands. Some were called as a local assembly pastor, some as a national pastor, and some as a international pastor. Matthew 20 from verse 1 explicit how some were called in the morning, some in the afternoon, some in the evening, and some at the eleventh but ended with the same price. From the plan of God, its not about population but about soul winning, its not about how you started but about how you end your race.
The leaders of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas come up with a theme for this year (2025) “Preparing God’s People for Leadership,” in order expatiates and dilate our knowledge and wisdom to function well in whatever capacity God has called us to serve. This is not about competition but to complete one another and exonerated the body of Christ. God has provided the tools individual need to lead effectively, we just need to stand in a place He had provided for us through His Word, Prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is compulsory for us to understand the type of vessel we are and stand with our calling.
Having said the above, for better understanding of this topic, we need to consider this: biblical meaning of vessel, vessel of gold versus vessel of wood, negligent and inconsistent attitude of today God’s vessel, and God expectation from His vessel, together with conclusion.
Biblical Meaning of Vessel
The word vessel is often used in the Bible, and in English terms it translates to be either a container such as a bowl or a jug, or either a ship or a boat. The biblical meaning denotes a person whom God calls and uses as a vessel. The metaphor of a leader as a useful vessel, refers to a person that is receptive.
The Hebrew word for vessel is keli’ and the basic idea of it root is “to bring a process to completion.” The root occurs in all its forms 237 times, in which 206 are verbal. It was derived from kala means (accomplish, end, finish). The processes which are brought to an end from vessel may be either positive or negative. That is, something may be continually added to until it is full or complete, or something may be taken away from until there is nothing left.
Processes which are brought to completion include the building of the temple (II Chr. 8:16), speaking (Gen. 17:22), harvesting (Ruth 2:21) and numerous others. There seems to be an emphasis upon totality in these references. It is not that a person simply came to a certain point in the process and stopped, but that he or she carried it out in full.
In addition, Hebrew word keli’ (vessel) portrays a soldier equipment of armor or weapons (Judg. 18:16) or vessels (II Kgs. 12:13) depending on the context. The KJV commonly uses “vessels” or “furniture” as the translation while RSV uses “utensils.” The term does not refer to the main items in the sanctuary such as altar or lamp-stand, but to the equipment used in serving these. Nebuchadnezzar, finding no idol in the temple to take into captivity, could only take off this equipment as a symbolic of its owner (II Chr. 36:7). However, God was not controlled by the equipment, as Belshazzar was to discover. (Dan. 5:2).
The important word to denote from the above is that, our gifts are just an equipment, our bodies are purely equipment, the moment we die or deviate from the instructions of God, our equipment will be useless and no more relevant with the things of God’s. This means that, as long as we on earth, our vessels must be fire brand for the Lord. Gifts are not relevant in Heaven. You don’t see revelation or prophecy to God’s in Heaven. Its only useful here on earth. We need to gently ask ourselves this question, what type of vessels are we?
Vessels of Gold versus Vessels of Wood
The dictionary meaning of the word gold is a valuable, yellow-coloured metal that is used for making jewellery and ornaments, and as an international currency. From biblical perspective, gold is the most valuable of metals. It stood for anything of great value (Proverbs 3:14; 8:10,19; 16:16,22; 25:12), hence was most worthy for use in worshipping Yahweh (Ex 25; Revelation 1:12,13,10, etc.), and the adornment of angels (Revelation 15:6) or saints (Psalms 45:13).
In another word, the word wood from dictionary meaning means a hard substance that forms the branches and trunks of trees and can be used as a building material, for making things, or as a fuel. More so, wood in the biblical context, refers to the material derived from trees and is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. It serves various practical, symbolic, and ritualistic purposes. Wood is used in construction, as fuel, and in the crafting of idols and sacred objects. In a metaphorical sense, wood can represent human frailty and the temporary nature of earthly life. Isaiah 40:6-8.
From the above point, both gold and wood stands for particular purpose, only that one stands for divine use and the other for earthly use. We are all “vessels” some are fine vessels of gold and silver, for noble uses; some are made of wood or clay, for menial use.
We must understand that ministerial work is not for competition. We can’t compare ourselves with any other person, our identity and assignment can never the same with anybody. We have problem in the body of Christ today because we don’t understand the type of vessel we are and the kingdom of darkness are jubilating because of this confusion. The difference between vessels of gold and wood are:
For the vessels of Gold -
II Corinthians 7:1
1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Revelation 22:14-15
14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
1. They are the people who separates themselves from contaminating and corrupting influences.
2. They cleansed themselves from the ignoble and unclean worldly admiration.
3. They set themselves apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes.
4. They consecrated and profitable to the Master.
5. They set fit and ready for any good work at all times.
6. They choose to do what is right and shun, and flee from youthful lusts.
7. They don’t give excuses for the work of God’s, because they know that excuses are not acceptable.
8. They aim at righteousness and pursue it.
9. They aim to do the right thing and conform to the will of God in thought, word and deed.
10. They aim and pursue faith, love and peace and harmony with fellow believers.
11. Last but not the least, they live a life of what they say.
For the vessels of wood -
1. As the use of wood is temporary, so also wood and earth have little or no use.
2. Wood and clay are reserved for ignoble use.
3. Wood and clay vessels are used for dishonorable purposes,
perhaps in the kitchen or to carry out garbage or human waste. They often get broken and are cheaply replaced.
4. The vessels of wood and clay are believers who are like dry wood.
5. They are destitute of the grace of God, and are fit matter for Satan to work upon at all times.
6. They raise and increase the flames of contention and division in the church.
7. Every time there is a quarrel or contention in the church they are always involved.
8. They are sensual, carnal, and wordly.
9. They are void of spirituality and lack spiritual mindedness. They are not genuinely born again.
10. They are the ones you will see fighting most of the time for positions in the church and if they were not given, they start a quarrel and turn the church upside down.
11. They are like Judas Iscariot in the church. Judas was a common, selfish, muddle-headed, pilfering fellow; his hand always in the bag of the poor, not caring for them. John 6:70-71, 12:6.
Negligent and Inconsistent Attitude of today God’s Vessels
Christians are brothers together. Our attitudes affect and influence one another within the fold and outsiders. Christ lay down good attitudes to follow ‐ 1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV) 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. Imagine the ways He related with His disciples and others.
Attitude(s) is or are the way(s) you think and feel about someone or something. It is a feeling or thinking that affect a person’s behaviour or a way of thinking and behaving that people regard as unfriendly, rude e.t.c.
There are good and bad or faithful and unfaithful attitudes. The good attitudes have their own effects as well as the bad or unfaithful attitudes. The good attitudes bring people to Christ for salvation. On the other hand, the bad or unfaithful attitudes draw away sinners from coming to Christ or repel your associates from coming closer to you.
The following are the negligent and inconsistent attitude of today God’s vessels -
1. Hypocrisy of life – This pretending to be true Christians but inwardly you are rotten or filled with all manners of unfaithful attitudes and characters. Importantly, a hypocrite is the one that deceives himself thinking he is deceiving others. Hypocritical attitudes tend to affect the salvation of people negatively. Matt. 23:25.
2. Conformity to worldly standards – When the Christians’ way of life cannot be differentiated from the way of the world, unbelievers will not see the need of being a Christian. The places you are always found, your appearances or outlook, behaviour among people who are Christians and non‐Christians have a way of bringing salvation to others. The Christian is the first Bible many will read before the real word of God. Rom. 12:1-2
3. Unfaithfulness in social partying, drunkenness, careless talks. Most of the time, immorality are things unbelievers use to mark the children of God, together with improper and wrong marriages among Christians. II Cor. 6:15
4. Unrepentant attitudes – Many Christian unrepentant attitudes have set back the salvation of others. Some Christians don’t see it wrong to change from good characters to bad ones even in the church. What Christians do among themselves and outsiders questions the need to becoming a Christian by unbelievers. When you gossip yourselves, when you castigate Christ and the church e.t.c for instance, give a mindset of not willing to be saved by many. Luke 13:3-5
5. The attitude of self justification – This is a self‐centred attitude by which people defend their actions and belief without reference to God. Scriptures insist that the confidence and ultimate justification of Christians lie with God and this condemns those who look elsewhere for justification. Self justification separates people from God. Gal. 5:4
6. All condemnable attitudes before God and men will rise to condemn men in the light of God’s word. This negatively influences the salvation of others. Such might include ungratefulness, un-thankfulness, giving to others and reminding them, arrogance and flaunt (lack of respect).
God’s Expectation from His Vessels
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8
The major problem of our contemporary world is inability to recognize the purpose of God’s for our lives. At this junction, it must be very clear that we are not made, called and sent for the same purpose. The moment we don’t realize our purpose, misbehavior is unavoidable. Meanwhile, the standard and expectation of God’s from individual will never change because of our intractability and balkiness. We just need to amend our ways of life. The following are God’s expectation -
1. Be Holy - It is the state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity. Holiness only results from a right relationship with God by believing in Jesus Christ as Savior (accepting His gift of eternal life). We can only become a good vessel by living holy life. I Pet. 1:14-16.
2. Live a set Apart life - As a Christian, being set apart by God means that you do not conform and follow the ways of the world (society and culture). You follow the behavior of Jesus.
God set you apart before you were even born. Take a look at Jeremiah 1:5 which states
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
3. Live a Biblical Justice life in a Society - Biblical justice requires that every person be treated according to the same standards and with the same respect, regardless of class, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or of any other social category. Justice is rooted in the very nature of God ( Isa 40:14 ). Human judges and vessels of God should also do as well to remember God in their behaviour. God does not take bribes ( Deut 10:17 ) or pervert justice in any way ( Gen 18:25 ; 2 Chron 19:7 ).
4. Be Kind and Steadfast in your ministerial assignment - The word for steadfast in the original Hebrew is chesed (pronounced kheh'-sed) and it refers to God's devout loving-kindness, mercy, and faithfulness at the very core of His character and actions. God is steadfast. Therefore, His love is steadfast, unwavering, faithful, and kind. Ministers’ of God must love the assignment committed to their hands as a good vessel. Kindness and steadfastness is not optional but mandatory. Steadfastness requires that we give up the need for instant gratification and replace it with faithfulness and endurance as we live. James 1:12.
5. Be humble - Humility in the Bible is presented as the practice of meekness, obedience to God, respect of self and others, submissiveness and modesty (Colossians 3:12-13). People with humility put others' needs before their own, sacrificing for the love of others. True humility seeks to bring glory and honor to God and looks out for the interests of others (Philippians 2.3-8). Humility is recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves with a modest, selfless attitude. The humble in the Bible are those who are willing to embrace humble circumstances and be associated with those of low estate. Are we humble, diligent and faithful in the assignment He committed to our hands?
Conclusion -
Vessels of Honour refer to men and women God has chosen to honour to bring glory to His Name. The people God chooses are vessels that have been appointed to carry and reveal the ways and wisdom of God; to manifest His power and glory in their time.
You were not created to be a vessel of destruction and dishonor, but a very valuable golden vessel of honor!!
Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
The choice is yours!!
Get into the Word of God and study it, memorize it, meditate on it and confess it over your life.
It will set you free and will live a life pleasing of God!