2 Timothy 2:21 (NKJV)

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Bible Commentary

2 Timothy 2:21 is a Bible verse from the New Testament where Paul is admonishing us to turn away from dishonor, so we can be sanctified and become a useful vessel for God.

Let’s take a look at the verse prior to this one so we can get a clear picture of what Paul means by “the latter.” 2 Timothy 2:20 says, “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.”

The word “dishonor” in the Greek means: infamy, indignity, disgrace, dishonor, shame, vile. None of us want to be a vessel for dishonor or shame, so what does Paul mean by cleansing ourselves?

The Greek meaning of the root word for cleanse is: purge, prune. If you look up “prune” in the dictionary, it says: to trim dead or living parts from a plant; to cut out unnecessary parts.

Vessel of Honor

In plain English, if we want to be used as a vessel of honor by Christ, we need to cut out dishonorable conduct or attitudes. Turn away (or repent) from them.

When we make a commitment to Christ and give up things of dishonor, God promises to sanctify us and promote us as a vessel of honor.

This is exciting! Look at the Greek meaning of “honor”: a value, money paid, esteem of the highest degree, dignity. And the Greek meaning of “sanctify” is: to make holy, purify, consecrate, hallow.

How would you like to work for Jesus Christ and be paid by Him? He would be the ultimate boss!!

That’s essentially what Paul is saying here. Turn away from dishonorable motives and actions, commit to Christ so He can promote you into the Kingdom—the work He has called you to and made you to do.

Paid by God

Let us seek the truth in our hearts. When we pray and ask Christ to help us cleanse ourselves, He will answer. The last part of 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “…he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”

God can and will honor us with Kingdom work, but we must first choose to honor Him. The Greek meaning of “useful” is: easily used, profitable, meet for use.

When we make a commitment to turn away from the wrong motive or attitude, and with our will choose to honor Him, our hearts become like Christ’s—sanctified–and our disposition can change in a moment, from sour to cheerful.

It’s like placing the last puzzle piece into a puzzle. Everything fits just right. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He honors us. (Luke 14:11)

We can be joyful in our work, when we work for the Lord. Study the Bible verse of 2 Timothy 2:21, and be promoted to Kingdom work and be paid by Him.