“AN APPROVED VESSEL” (2 Timothy 2:15; 20-26)

SERMON PRESENTED AT THE 2020 SPIRITUAL RETREAT OF THE

 BAPTIST SCHOOL OF MISSION ON MONDAY 29^TH JULY, 2020

AT  GATEWAY BAPTIST CHURCH ODUKPANI, CALABAR.

BY

REV. TAMUNOIBI ROGERS MILLER

08037718335 revtr.miller@yahoo.com; revrandymiller66@gmail.com

Preamble:  One of the pastoral letters written by Paul while in prison. His words at this time, where like the last words of a dying old father, which we must hold dear. Paul a senior minister addressed his son in the Lord, Timothy whose ministry was more at Ephesus on the need to be an example in the ministry. He was to confront false teachings (Gnostic philosophies) and to demonstrate Christian behavioural principles as an evangelist. Timothy, a young man between 30 and 36 years of age needs to put up his head in the discharge of his duty as an evangelist. The topic presents two important words that needs clear understanding.

1. Approved: Approve means good, acceptable, or suitable. Something that is good enough to be used or something that is correct. In this case the we are talking of a servant of God that is good enough, acceptable, or suitable to be used by the Holy and righteous God.
2. Vessel: A container used for holding liquids such as a bowl, cup etc. It can also be a tube that carries blood through the body of a person or animal or liquid through the parts of a plant. The two aspects are important to me because as a vessel, the man of God should receive the revelation or divine mystery of the kingdom and pass on, or push out or pour out the content in it. It is not expected to be like the Dead Sea that only receives and do not give out, thus nothing survives in it.

A Look at the Text: Paul was admonishing Timothy of the need to be aware and be equipped to deal with false teachings of his day. If false teaching is anything to combat in our also, then these words are very apt to us because of the multidimensional and multifaceted nature of the false teaching today.

Things that will Aid our Approval as Vessels:

1. We need to Study: Different versions put it differently. “Study to show” (AMP),  Give diligence (ASV), “Do your best” (GNB). You study by paying close attention to minute details to the activities that make you acquire knowledge wither their books and by observation. There must be carefully planned and deliberate action. You can only be approved when you have studied diligently enough to present yourself through the perfect word.  As a work man, a tool, a vessel, if you must not be ashamed, you should be straight.
2. We need to be Straight, Straightforward or Sincere: The idea of dividing the word of truth rightly is like cutting something in a very straight line or manner. We must be straight in our attitude and character as we take note, learn and observe so as to be examples as well. Paul said to Timothy; “imitate me as I imitate Christ”. We must be straight in the interpretation of the word. No personal gratification, not to suit the itching ears of this generation, not for our belly and pocket, but for the kingdom by revealing the mind of Christ in matters of heaven.
3. We must be Pure or Holy: (v20) Paul used hold utensils to explain this aspect. Vessels made of silver and gold and of noble use and that of wood and clay are of daily common use. We are to be holy to be worthy of use in the service of God as approved men. Three areas I like to admonish us in this regard are;
4. Do not touch the Honour (Glory of God). Remember Moses
5. Do not touch God’s Money (Property)
6. Do not touch kingdom Daughters.

Purity: The servant of God must be pure morally. “A general term for an upright and morally blameless life, and specifically as referring to being free from any immoral acts, especially acts related to sex” . Remember, when we get soiled by allowing ourselves a little indulgence in lustful thoughts and acts; so when the time comes for our character to be appraised, we are greatly reduced in value. Like Apostle Paul said, there must not even be a hinge of sexual immorality among God’s people because impurity actually starts with small hints of indulgence. But it grows with time and takes full control over the pastor, his life and ministry.  There must also be Integrity of heart. A man was responded “No” to a job application “have you ever been arrested”. The next question was “ Why” and the man said “I guess it’s because I never got caught”. You can tell from the answer the poor moral condition of the man. . Be free of  alcohol & drugs, smoking, sexual immorality, profanity, lewdness of the modern dance, immoral entertainment, music, internet (1 Ths. 5:21-22).

• We must demonstrate Faith:  Pastors must demonstrate faith in God always. Our faith is constantly put to test through various problems. Faith commands spiritual authority, inspires other Christians and commands respect as well. Such faith is developed over time. In the exercise of the grace of faith; in holding fast the profession of faith; and in retaining the doctrine of faith, with all integrity, faithfulness, and constancy, standing fast in it, striving and contending for it. Demonstrate a diligent faith to do God’s will & to please Him, Heb. 11:6. Also, strong and unwavering faith, (Dan. 3:16-18).
• We must practice Love : Agape( self giving) (and not eros, philia or sorge). The Pastor should  avoid retaliation, bitterness, resentfulness, vengefulness and un-forgiveness, but seek only the good of the people. The implication is that we must be approachable (John 4: 7), show maturity emotionally, and be loyal. 1 Corinthians 13 is the love passage to read again and again.. Love is the response of the one who knows God, 1 Jno. 4:7-8. So others know you are a Christian, Jno. 13:35,   John 13:35
• We must be Peaceful: We must be at peace with  God, ourselves and others. 
• We must be Good and Patient Teachers: Impact the truth to others systematically and be sure they understand. The level of understanding of the people determines the level of the demonstration of righteousness in their lives.
• We Must Correct with Understanding: While we teach, we must also correct as God’s servant with the Word of God. We can only do so when we ourselves know the truth. We must depend on the Holy Spirit always. 

Conclusion: As I conclude, note,  it’s easy to exhort others. Being an example ourselves, however, is demanding. But by depending on God and walking in obedience, we will surely overcome.  Pastors, if we want our congregations to be approved vessels, we must be approved vessels ourselves. Be an example in the ministry.