2 Timothy 2:21
Verse
Context
The Lord’s Approved Workman
20A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. 21So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If a man therefore purge himself from these - He that takes heed to his ways and to his doctrines, and walks with God, will separate himself, not only from all false doctrine, but from all wicked men, and thus be sanctified and proper to be employed by the Master in every good word and work. The apostle has not made the application of these different similes, and it is very difficult to tell what he means.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If a man . . . purge himself from these--The Greek expresses "If one (for example, thou, Timothy) purify himself (so as to separate) from among these" (vessels unto dishonor). sanctified--set apart as wholly consecrated to the Lord. and meet--Some oldest manuscripts omit "and." the master's--the Lord's. Paul himself was such a vessel: once one among those of earth, but afterwards he became by grace one of gold. prepared unto every good work-- (Ti2 3:17; Tit 3:1). Contrast Tit 1:16.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If a man therefore purge himself from these,.... That is, if a man clears himself, and keeps himself clear from such men as Hymenaeus and Philetus, who are comparable to wooden and earthen vessels, and are dishonourable ones; if he shuns their defiling company, and polluting principles; if he keeps clear of their heresies, and is not carried away with the errors of these wicked men, and is not drawn aside by them into immoral practices, but stands fast in the faith, and departs from iniquity: he shall be a vessel unto honour; he will be made manifest, and appear to be a vessel chosen to honour; and will be an honourable member of the church here, and will be honoured by Christ hereafter: sanctified: he will appear to be one that is set apart by God the Father, and whose sins are purged away by the blood of Christ, and who is sanctified internally by the Spirit of God; for external holiness springs from internal holiness, and is, an evidence of it: and meet for the master's use: the use and service of Christ, who is the master of the house; either for the ministry of the word, the administration of ordinances, or for some service or another, which he calls him to, and employs him in. And prepared unto every good work; which an unregenerate man is not; he is to every good work reprobate; he is not capable of performing good works; he is not prepared for them, nor ready at them; but a true believer, one that is regenerated, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, he is created in Christ Jesus unto good works; and has in the performing of them right principles, aims, and ends, as well as a supply of grace, by which he is enabled to do them.
2 Timothy 2:21
The Lord’s Approved Workman
20A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. 21So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is the True Church of Jesus Christ
By David Wilkerson5.7K48:33MAT 18:20JHN 20:22EPH 4:322TI 2:162TI 2:21HEB 10:25This sermon emphasizes the true Church of Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of individual believers having a special love relationship with Jesus, being wholly devoted to Him, and gathering with others who share that devotion. It stresses the need for the presence of Jesus in the church, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in changing hearts, and the power of forgiveness and remitting sins against one another as a key aspect of the church. The sermon encourages believers to seek a church where the presence of the Lord is real and to be part of a body of devoted individuals.
Deep Dealing - My Testimony
By Andrew Strom4.7K51:22TestimonyPRO 4:23MAT 6:331CO 14:26EPH 5:27EPH 6:172TI 2:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and establishing a position in Him. They mention the teachings of Wigglesworth and Reese Howells, who also discuss this concept. The speaker believes that God is searching for reliable individuals who are not consumed by worldly desires, such as money, sex, and power. They highlight the need for salvation and express a desire to preach the truth to the youth, using music as a means to reach them.
A Holy Remnant (Clip)
By David Wilkerson4.3K08:481SA 2:271SA 3:11ISA 1:11ISA 6:8LUK 18:1JHN 10:272TI 2:21REV 3:16REV 3:20God is quietly preparing a powerful army of dedicated Christians, more devoted than any before, to do exploits and shake hell. This remnant will be made up of ordinary believers who lay hold of God, ushering in a new realm of the Holy Spirit's moving. Just as in 1 Samuel, God is raising up a holy remnant to replace old religious systems with a new program of the Holy Ghost, judging and forsaking compromised churches. This remnant, birthed in prayer and intercession, will be wholly committed to God, seeking His righteousness and glory in these last days.
In the Potters Hands
By Steve Hill3.1K05:29PSA 139:13ISA 29:16ISA 64:8JHN 15:1ACT 9:15ROM 9:211CO 12:12EPH 2:102TI 2:21HEB 12:6This sermon emphasizes how God works uniquely in each of our lives according to His purpose, even when we struggle with the trials and challenges He allows. It highlights the analogy of God as the potter and us as the clay, being molded and shaped by Him in seclusion and through various life experiences. The message encourages surrendering to God's sovereignty and recognizing our individuality and unique roles within the body of Christ, all crafted by the mighty hands of God.
Why Revival Tarries - Part 4
By Henry Blackaby1.7K09:21PSA 51:10ISA 6:1MAL 2:16MAT 5:16MAT 9:37JHN 17:17ACT 1:81CO 1:182TI 2:21JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of sanctification by the truth of God's Word, highlighting the transformative power of encountering God's holiness and being challenged to conform to the image of Christ. It shares the impact of personal revival and how being a witness of God's truth can lead to the sanctification of others, resulting in a ripple effect of spiritual growth and mission work. The speaker reflects on a powerful revival experience in a church, demonstrating the fruitfulness of genuine encounters with God and the subsequent transformation of individuals and communities.
Be Clean Inside
By Joshua Daniel1.7K28:19PSA 51:10PRO 16:5JER 17:9MAT 5:13MAT 23:24LUK 19:41LUK 19:452TI 2:21JAS 4:8This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of inner purity and genuine transformation rather than external appearances or religious rituals. He highlights the need for a sincere heart, free from pride and selfishness, that prioritizes true prayer and righteousness. Drawing from biblical teachings, he warns against hypocrisy and the danger of turning sacred places into dens of thieves, urging believers to seek inner cleansing and a deeper relationship with God.
Soul Idolatry
By Dean Taylor1.5K1:24:30Idolatry1TI 2:152TI 2:21TIT 2:11HEB 11:11JN 2:151JN 5:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of summarizing key verses in the Bible to make them practical and applicable to our lives. He mentions several summary verses, such as 1 Timothy 2:15, which states that Jesus came to save sinners, and Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as the substance of things hoped for. The preacher also highlights Titus 2:11 as a summary verse for grace, stating that the grace of God brings salvation to all. The main message of the sermon is to love not the world and its desires, but to live righteously and look forward to the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.
Let God Fulfill the Vision
By George Warnock1.4K22:42VisionPSA 27:4PRO 16:9MAT 16:24JHN 14:15PHP 2:92TI 2:21HEB 3:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of laying down one's own vision and allowing God to work it out in His own way and time. He urges the audience to focus on the job that God is after, which is preparing a holy bride for His son. The preacher shares the story of Joseph and how God used him to interpret dreams and ultimately save Egypt and surrounding nations from famine. He highlights the need for individuals to seek God's vision and not try to fulfill their own plans, as God's ways are higher and His timing is perfect.
Working With God
By Bob Hoekstra1.1K52:23JHN 5:19JHN 14:101CO 3:91CO 15:102CO 6:12CO 9:8GAL 2:8EPH 2:10EPH 3:7EPH 3:202TI 2:21TIT 2:14TIT 3:81PE 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of working with God in our lives, focusing on being vessels for honor, sanctified and prepared for every good work by God's grace. It highlights the need to cleanse ourselves, seek God's power at work in us, and be zealous for good works, all while acknowledging our dependency on God for effective service. The sermon draws parallels to Jesus' dependency on the Father and encourages a life of faith, humility, and prayer in working with God.
Servant #2 - Confirmation
By Stephen Kaung9241:19:391CO 2:11CO 4:71CO 4:15PHP 3:122TI 2:211PE 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to serve in the body of Christ. He highlights the need for believers to be connected to one another and to be trained together. The speaker also discusses the disciples' lack of understanding and obedience to the Lord's commands, using Peter as an example. He emphasizes that in order to serve effectively, believers must first know and understand the Master. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the continuous need for training and observation of the Lord's work in order to serve Him properly.
Manifesting Christ Through Union
By Ed Miller8491:08:31ISA 54:172TI 2:21REV 7:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with genuine delight rather than just going through the motions. He uses examples from nature, such as the relationship between the sun and the earth, to illustrate the principle of spiritual life. The preacher also highlights the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit when studying God's Word and the importance of thirsting for God's presence. The sermon concludes by discussing the heavenly principle of Christian service, where believers serve the Lord and receive His blessings in return.
(Clip) Useful to the Lord in Winning Souls
By Bob Jennings70406:28PRO 16:3ECC 9:10ISA 6:8MAT 4:191CO 15:58EPH 2:10COL 3:232TI 2:211PE 4:10This sermon emphasizes the privilege and honor of serving the Lord, comparing it to the story of a young boy who felt honored to work for a farmer without expecting payment. It encourages believers to be willing and ready to be sent by God, to be fishers of men, and to steward the grace and gifts given by God. The sermon also highlights the impactful lives of historical figures like William Bramwell and Thomas Collins, who dedicated themselves to being useful to God and saw miraculous conversions through their obedience.
2 Timothy - Part 9
By John Hunter46632:032TI 2:22TI 2:152TI 2:212TI 2:24In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the metaphors used by Paul in 2 Timothy chapter 2 to teach about service to God. The metaphors include the faithful steward, the dedicated soldier, the obedient athlete, the industrious farmer, the skilled workman, the sanctified vessel, and the gentle servant. The speaker emphasizes that these metaphors represent different aspects of service and the motives behind it. He highlights the importance of absolute loyalty, observing the rules, and toiling energetically in serving the Lord. The sermon concludes with a reminder that time is running out and there is much work to be done in serving God.
What Is a Christian 18 Christian an Instrument
By James K. Boswell39954:222SA 15:15ROM 6:11ROM 6:162TI 2:21TIT 3:15In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans 6 and highlights four important things that the Apostle Paul wants believers to know. These include the meaning of baptism, the significance of our crucifixion with Christ, the importance of our resurrection, and the fact that God reckons each believer as having died, been buried, and risen with Christ. The preacher emphasizes that these truths are unchangeable and that believers are seen by God as strong, tempered, and ready instruments in His hands. The sermon concludes with an invitation for those who have not yet trusted in Jesus to become vessels of honor and instruments for righteousness.
Kingdom Authority, Truth & Purity
By Brian Guerin545:39Purity and TruthKingdom AuthorityMAT 24:14JHN 8:32ACT 10:38ROM 12:2EPH 6:142TI 2:21HEB 1:9JAS 4:71PE 1:161JN 1:9Brian Guerin emphasizes the significance of kingdom authority, truth, and purity in his sermon, urging believers to fully surrender to Jesus and embrace the power of the Holy Spirit. He shares personal experiences of transformation and the importance of living a life free from fear and sin, highlighting that true freedom comes from knowing the truth. Guerin encourages the congregation to cultivate a deep relationship with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them in purity and righteousness. He stresses that the church must stand firm in faith and authority, especially in challenging times, and calls for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit to empower believers for their mission.
Signs of the Times
By Brian Guerin440:28Spiritual AwakeningPurity and Intimacy with GodPSA 24:3ISA 6:6MAT 5:8ACT 10:38EPH 6:122TI 2:21HEB 12:11PE 1:161JN 1:9REV 3:20Brian Guerin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Signs of the Times,' emphasizing the urgency of spiritual awakening and the need for purity among believers. He shares prophetic dreams that reveal an increase in darkness and the imminent filling of God's temple with His glory, urging the congregation to prepare their hearts and lives for this divine encounter. Guerin highlights the importance of intimacy with God and the necessity of casting off anything that hinders our relationship with Him, encouraging a return to the basics of faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He calls for a deeper understanding of the fear of the Lord and the beauty of purity, reminding the audience that God desires to use them as vessels of honor in these critical times.
Conformed for a Purpose
By Mary Wilder Tileston0JHN 7:38ROM 9:212CO 4:7PHP 4:72TI 2:21Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about being vessels unto honor, sanctified and prepared for the Master's use, whether to bear burdens, convey messages, or reflect God's light, emphasizing the importance of inner harmony, peace, and joy in Him to fulfill these purposes. The sermon calls for God to mold believers into forms of beauty and usefulness, conforming them to the image of His Son, to stand as vessels meet for His use, providing refreshment and heavenly treasure to others.
A Good Name Is to Be Chosen Rather Than Great Riches
By Bishop M.A. Lalachan0PRO 11:30PRO 22:1ECC 7:1ISA 64:8MAT 6:19MAT 25:211CO 13:13PHP 2:32TI 2:211PE 4:8Bishop M.A. Lalachan preaches on the importance of choosing a good name over great riches, emphasizing the eternal value of loving favor over material wealth. He highlights the brevity of life and the inevitable transition to either heaven or hell, stressing the significance of allowing God to transform us into vessels of honor. The sermon underscores the ultimate importance of fulfilling God's purpose, leaving a legacy of love and kindness that will be remembered long after worldly possessions fade away. Bishop M.A. Lalachan encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and others, knowing that true fulfillment comes from being a person of Godly character.
(Needed-Men of God) 1. Men of Spiritual Calibre
By Zac Poonen0SanctificationSpiritual LeadershipJDG 7:71KI 19:19ISA 6:8EZK 36:23MAT 5:16ROM 12:11CO 1:272TI 2:21JAS 5:171PE 2:9Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of men and women of spiritual caliber whom God can use to make a significant impact against darkness and to glorify His name. He reflects on the historical precedent of God's small remnant, citing Gideon's army as an example of how few are willing to pay the price for true discipleship. Poonen highlights that God is actively seeking individuals who will allow Him to be sanctified in their lives, thereby making a visible impact on those around them. He draws parallels to the life of Elisha, illustrating the characteristics that should define modern servants of God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to spiritual integrity and the willingness to be used by God in a world that often dishonors Him.
Preparing the Ground for Revival
By J. Edwin Orr0RevivalRepentancePSA 51:10JER 1:10MAT 13:7ROM 12:22CO 7:1GAL 6:72TI 2:21HEB 12:1JAS 4:81JN 1:9J. Edwin Orr emphasizes the necessity of preparing the ground for revival by first addressing and uprooting sin and disobedience among believers. He illustrates this through the metaphor of gardening, where the destructive work of removing weeds is essential before any fruitful planting can occur. Orr argues that many ministries fail because they attempt to sow good teachings in the presence of unaddressed sin, which chokes spiritual growth. He stresses that true revival requires a heart of repentance and a return to a proper relationship with God before one can fully embrace the blessings of the Gospel. Ultimately, he calls for a balance between acknowledging our position in Christ and addressing the need for holiness and obedience.
I Samuel 13:14
By Chuck Smith0Surrender to God's WillGod's Search1SA 13:142CH 16:9PSA 51:10ISA 6:8JER 29:13ACT 13:22ROM 12:12TI 2:21JAS 4:101PE 5:5Chuck Smith emphasizes God's desire to work through human instruments in a world plagued by sin and moral decay. He highlights the need for revival and the importance of being a man after God's own heart, as exemplified by David, who, despite his imperfections, sought God's will and forgiveness. Smith contrasts Saul's pride and disobedience with David's repentance and zeal for God, urging listeners to surrender their will to God and become the kind of people He seeks today.
What Paul Said About Holiness 4
By Aaron Hills0PHP 1:9COL 1:221TH 4:32TI 2:21TIT 2:12HEB 12:14Aaron Hills preaches on the Apostle Paul's emphasis on sanctification in his letters to various churches, highlighting the importance of believers pursuing a deeper experience of holiness and righteousness. Paul's prayers, commands, and use of specific words like 'sanctify,' 'righteousness,' 'perfect,' and 'holiness' underscore his strong encouragement for Christians to seek sanctification as a second blessing after justification. The Epistles to the Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, and Hebrews all contain passages where Paul urges believers to pursue sanctification and live blamelessly before God.
On Being Men and Women of God
By A.W. Tozer0Identity in ChristHolinessMAT 7:18ROM 12:1GAL 5:22EPH 2:10COL 3:231TH 4:72TI 2:21HEB 12:14JAS 1:221PE 1:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes that one's calling does not inherently make a person holy; rather, it is the holiness of the individual that sanctifies their work. He cites Meister Eckhart's assertion that a holy man can make any calling holy, and warns against the misconception that the ministry itself confers holiness. Tozer stresses that true holiness comes from God through discipline and grace, and that a person's identity as a man or woman of God should take precedence over their profession. Ultimately, it is the character of the individual that determines the goodness of their actions, not the nature of their work.
An Open Letter
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual ReadinessDivine GuidanceMAT 24:44MRK 4:29ROM 12:11CO 2:9EPH 4:112TI 2:21HEB 10:25JAS 4:81PE 5:10REV 3:20Watchman Nee emphasizes the urgency of the Lord's return and the need for the church to prepare itself spiritually. He argues that many current works are driven by human effort rather than divine guidance, leading to a lack of true spiritual effectiveness. Nee calls for a deeper experience of the cross and a return to reliance on God, urging believers to rid themselves of worldly influences to become vessels for God's purpose. He expresses hope that through 'The Present Testimony,' readers will be encouraged to fully commit to God and contribute to His kingdom work. Ultimately, Nee seeks to guide the church towards readiness for Christ's return.
Request That Polycarp Would Send a Messenger to Antioch
By Ignatius of Antioch01CO 15:58EPH 2:102TI 2:211PE 4:19Ignatius of Antioch commends the Church at Antioch for their prayers and peaceful state, expressing his desire to attain God through suffering and become a true disciple of Christ. He urges Polycarp to select a dedicated messenger of God to glorify their love through service in Syria. Ignatius emphasizes that as Christians, they are called to be always ready for God's service, as it is both God's work and theirs when completed, trusting in their preparation for good works through grace.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If a man therefore purge himself from these - He that takes heed to his ways and to his doctrines, and walks with God, will separate himself, not only from all false doctrine, but from all wicked men, and thus be sanctified and proper to be employed by the Master in every good word and work. The apostle has not made the application of these different similes, and it is very difficult to tell what he means.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If a man . . . purge himself from these--The Greek expresses "If one (for example, thou, Timothy) purify himself (so as to separate) from among these" (vessels unto dishonor). sanctified--set apart as wholly consecrated to the Lord. and meet--Some oldest manuscripts omit "and." the master's--the Lord's. Paul himself was such a vessel: once one among those of earth, but afterwards he became by grace one of gold. prepared unto every good work-- (Ti2 3:17; Tit 3:1). Contrast Tit 1:16.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If a man therefore purge himself from these,.... That is, if a man clears himself, and keeps himself clear from such men as Hymenaeus and Philetus, who are comparable to wooden and earthen vessels, and are dishonourable ones; if he shuns their defiling company, and polluting principles; if he keeps clear of their heresies, and is not carried away with the errors of these wicked men, and is not drawn aside by them into immoral practices, but stands fast in the faith, and departs from iniquity: he shall be a vessel unto honour; he will be made manifest, and appear to be a vessel chosen to honour; and will be an honourable member of the church here, and will be honoured by Christ hereafter: sanctified: he will appear to be one that is set apart by God the Father, and whose sins are purged away by the blood of Christ, and who is sanctified internally by the Spirit of God; for external holiness springs from internal holiness, and is, an evidence of it: and meet for the master's use: the use and service of Christ, who is the master of the house; either for the ministry of the word, the administration of ordinances, or for some service or another, which he calls him to, and employs him in. And prepared unto every good work; which an unregenerate man is not; he is to every good work reprobate; he is not capable of performing good works; he is not prepared for them, nor ready at them; but a true believer, one that is regenerated, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, he is created in Christ Jesus unto good works; and has in the performing of them right principles, aims, and ends, as well as a supply of grace, by which he is enabled to do them.