Vessels of Honor

Aim: To attain to, and improve upon God's ''vessels of honor'' distinction (of us).

Doctrine: Vessels of honor shine in the church, while vessels of dishonor perish. This principle was established in the previous verses, and this truth is good incentive for us to be serious churchmen.

Exegesis: The making of vessels of honor requires faith-filled acts of our wills (vv. 20-21); requires an accurate appreciation of what is really significant (v. 22); requires the courage to resist word-strifers (v. 23).

Further application: How to keep developing as vessels of honor: first, be being mindful of how unique (and hard) it is (to be godly); then, by trusting that it is God who is at work in us.

Key verse: v. 21 ''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.''