LIFE Posts - Vessels of Honor, part 1
This week we shift from focusing on spiritual warfare to looking at how our ongoing sanctification transforms us into useful vessels of honor for God. We continue to utilize the Freedom[1] curriculum to guide this review. By choosing to take a Biblical and Holy Spirit led perspective in everything we do, we make progress on the narrow path as our ongoing process of sanctification makes us more and more like Jesus. As we saw in the last message, being more like Jesus is God’s purpose for us. Consider the below scripture from 2 Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:19–22 (NASB95) 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” 2:20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
In this passage, Paul tells us that those who call Jesus as their Savior are to abstain from wickedness – which is sin. He then uses the analogy of items in a house to describe various believers. Christians who earnestly pursue their call to be sanctified by being cleansed of sinful things become vessels of honor. Being a vessel of honor means we’re useful to the Master (God) and prepared for every good work He has for us to do.
It is important that we understand and remember the difference between our justification and our sanctification, and how honor is understood in this framework. Our justification is secure – Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross made us just as if we’d never sinned when we confessed Him as our Savior. Our sanctification requires our ongoing submission to Him. As Donald G. Bloesch writes:
“Justification is complete whereas sanctification is incomplete. Justification is imputed righteousness; sanctification is imparted righteousness.”[2]
Our sanctification requires more than just desire or intention; it requires our active submission – and we’ve all experienced the challenges of this active daily submission.
The devil loves to bring thoughts of condemnation and regret, which is why it is important to remember what the Word says about our justification – our salvation is secure (John 6:37-40)! The devil will also come against us in the opposite fashion, trying to convince us that since we have been saved by grace, we don’t have to do anything more to “get into heaven.” The Word clearly tells us that our faith is one that results in relationship with God (Galatians 3:26) – as adopted sons and daughters we are to grow, nurture, and value that relationship. It is in this development of our relationship with God, and our deeper sanctification, that we are transformed.
Every person is at a different stage of sanctification; no one starts out as a gold or silver vessel, as we’ve already discussed, sanctification is an ongoing process. Everyone who pursues after Jesus can be made into a golden vessel of honor – our past does not define or limit us in pursuing God and being useful to Him. We should notice the word “Master” in verse 21, which comes from the Greek word despotes, meaning “one who owns and/or controls the activities of slaves, servants, or subjects, with the implication of absolute, and in some instances, arbitrary jurisdiction—‘owner, master, lord.’”[3] In the West, we generally do not have the concept of Lordship firmly rooted in our worldview. Indeed, the word “Master” is shunned due to the association it has with the historical tragedy of slavery in the US and around the world. Yet Jesus is Lord of all (Acts 10:36; Romans 10:12). We are His subjects. God is the creator of the Universe – and He is our King. Any thought of resisting or rejecting that fact is rooted in prideful rebellion. We need to take such thoughts captive into the obedience of the Word, for rebellious thoughts are from and aligned with the devil. Satan’s pride led him to rebel against God, not wanting to be subject to God but instead desiring to be higher than God (Isaiah 14:12-15). When we decide that our ideas, desires, rights, or any other self-centered notion are more important than subjecting ourselves to and obeying God’s Word, we’re in league with Satan.
Our process of ongoing sanctification can be described as stages listed below:
- Unbelievers become believers
- Believers become disciples who begin to grow
- Disciples become leaders who find their God-defined purpose in life
- Leaders become servants
The highest stage of our Christian growth (sanctification) is when we’re fulfilling Jesus’ definition of greatness in Matthew 20:25-28 and example in John 13:13-14.
Matthew 20:25–28 (NLT) 20:25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 20:26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 20:27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 20:28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
John 13:13–14 (AMP) 13:13 You call Me the Teacher (Master) and the Lord, and you are right in doing so, for that is what I am. 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher (Master), have washed your feet, you ought [it is your duty, you are under obligation, you owe it] to wash one another’s feet.
Jesus plainly tells us that serving is our high call – serving Him and humbly serving other people. Prayerfully consider the following, journaling your thoughts and responses. Share with a brother or sister in Christ one on one, or at a small group meeting.
Application/Questions/Journal your thoughts
- Considering the stages of growth described above, what stage are you at in your ongoing sanctification? Note, it is normal for us to see the facets of our life we’ve submitted to Him at one stage, and other facets that we have not submitted will be at another stage of progress.
- Did any thoughts of comparison to others come to mind when you asked yourself the above question? If there were any condemning thoughts of yourself that occurred, be aware that the enemy is warring against your mind! Take those thoughts captive by reminding yourself that there is no condemnation for those in Christ! (Romans 8:1)
- As the Holy Spirit for His revelation of your growth so far, and where He wants you to focus on growing now. Rejoice because we all have the opportunity to have more of Him as we subject ourselves to His Will.
- We’re all familiar with hearing Jesus called our Savior, Protector, Lord and even Friend. All of these are true, but the depth of meaning to Lord is truly that He is our Master. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you whether there are any areas that you are resisting His Lordship in your life.
- Jesus’ message and example of how to be great in the Kingdom of God is to serve Him by serving others. This is extremely contrary to the world’s way of thinking. What mindset do we need to have in order to live out Jesus’ example?
- In Matthew 6:24 Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24, ESV).” Contextually, Jesus was speaking about money in this verse, but the broader premise about having two masters is universal. We cannot serve two masters; therefore, we should only serve (and have) one Master — God. Besides money or ourselves, what other inappropriate “masters” (or idols) do we have and serve in opposition to God? Ask the Holy Spirit for revelation in this area.
Scripture of the week
Romans 12:1 (NASB 2020) 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. [4]
Acts 20:35 (NASB 2020) 20:35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”[5]
Philippians 2:3–4 (NASB 2020) 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; 2:4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. [6]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB 2020) 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God. [7]
Weekly prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your Holy Spirit in me, who leads me in the path of ongoing sanctification. Please reveal to me any area that I’ve not submitted to Your Lordship and lead me in the way to lay it down at Your feet. I want to be more like You, Jesus, and I choose to follow Your example and command to serve. Please make me aware of each opportunity You’ve given me to serve You and others today. Amen.
Freedom Facet
Becoming a vessel of honor requires being focused on Jesus and His Word and His Holy Spirit’s guidance. The world looks down on servants, but God’s Kingdom is not like the world. We know from experience that the world’s things do not bring lasting satisfaction – God’s Word says instead it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Serving others is a blessing since it makes us closer to Jesus – and by serving others as if we are serving Him, we will be rewarded (Ephesians 6:7-8).
Jesus's Freedom is for those who call Him Lord - those who believe in Him. If you’ve not yet accepted Christ Jesus as Your Lord, and would like to, say the following prayer aloud.
Lord Jesus, I confess and realize that I am a sinner, and without You, I am lost and separated from God. Thank You for going to the cross and dying for my sins – I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins, and I thank you and receive the forgiveness of my sins Your Word says is now mine! Holy Spirit, I thank You that You now reside within me. I lay down my will for Yours and ask for Your daily guidance and direction to make me more and more like You. Amen!
The Bible tells us that if we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God resurrected Jesus from the dead, we are saved for eternity. If you’ve just accepted Jesus as Lord, know that heaven is celebrating right now (Luke 15:10)! Rejoice because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and now have begun the process of sanctification becoming like Him. Keep coming back, as we explore Freedom facets and what our Identity in Christ truly is. Share this joyous news with a brother or sister in Christ and get connected in your local church! LIFE is yours!
Small Group Invitations - Week of October 18, 2026
Below are invitations to just a couple of Men's Small Groups that are happening this week, both a part of Celebration Church, Georgetown, Texas. If these don't work for you, or if you're not a Celebration Church, TX attendee - regardless of the church you attend - being a part of small group is immensely important! If you're not involved in one, I pray that you find one that works for your schedule and you get plugged in. Being connected in the local church will bless you immeasurably! Also - with the fall semester starting, many churches are offering Freedom small group classes. If one is available near you, I pray you plug in to it - the Freedom Small Groups are life changing!
Tuesday Morning Men's Fellowship Group: 6am - 7am at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, Texas. Join us for a time of fellowship where we'll discuss the message from the Pastors on Sunday, the newsletter contents, or whatever is going on in the lives of the brothers meeting.
Friday Morning Celebration Men: We're back at the Georgetown Campus Annex - Join us at 6:30 am at for fellowship, a message from one of our pastors, and a discussion about God's Word. We'll conclude at 8am so people can get to work.
[1] Freedom Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL; Freedom – Celebration Church, Georgetown, TX
[2] Bloesch, Donald G. 1997. Jesus Christ: Savior & Lord. Westmont, IL: IVP Academic.
[3] Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 558). New York: United Bible Societies.
[4] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[5] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[6] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.