2 Timothy 2:15-22
15 Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
16 Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless,
17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 who have deviated from the truth by saying that (the) resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, "The Lord knows those who are his"; and, "Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil."
20 In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use.
21 If anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22 So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith,love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart.
Here Paul describes what happens when we put away the flesh and focus on obedience to God’s will.
It requires work though. We need to fully submit to God for this to happen. Put the flesh to death by knowing God’s commands to us and striving to keep them. This is difficult and we can’t do it on our own – but the good news is that if we open ourselves up to God and seek his help, he’ll do it for us.
If we follow this plan, we can become vessels for lofty use. Vessels are containers. The contents are from God, not from us. Our job is to make ourselves available for His use.
