Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.
Text: 2 Timothy 2:14–21
Title: The Vessel of Honor
Introduction: As we again consider what it means to honor God, we will look at what takes place within the church as we make up the visible body of Christ on earth.
Paul uses the illustration of a “great house” to help us understand the church. Now, before we look at Paul’s illustration, we don’t want to misunderstand what he is trying to say regarding two types of vessels.
So, let’s begin by looking at the types of vessels that Paul is referencing in Second Timothy.
I. The Type of Vessels
Ten Truths about the Church:
1. It is purchased.
2. It is built by God.
3. It is served by its members.
4. It is set apart in Christ.
5. It is the means by which Christ receives glory.
6. It is subject to Christ.
7. It was the object of Christ’s loving, costly sacrifice.
8. It is the visible body of Christ on earth.
9. It is the pillar and ground of the truth.
10. It is provisioned.
II. The Test of Vessels
A. The Test of “Knowing”
1. Christ knows those who are His.
2. Believers know that they are Christ’s.
B. The Test of “Growing”
C. The Test of “Showing”
III. The Task of Vessels
A. Study the right Word
B. Shun the wrong word
C. Flee
D. Follow
1. Righteousness evidences itself manward. It is simply doing right.
2. Faith is Godward. It has to do with my trust in God, His Word, and His ways.
3. Charity is outward. It reaches out, even as God does in reaching out from Heaven to a lost world.
4. Peace is inward. It means that the war is over. We’ve surrendered and God reigns supreme.
Conclusion: There are two types of vessels—those of honor and those of dishonor. The choice is really up to you.
2 Timothy 2:21
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.
God has given me the necessary resources needed to be a clean vessel, fit for His use.