In 2 Timothy 2:2626And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:26), we see the state into which Christianity, in its outward form in the world, has fallen: “In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Tim. 2:20-2120But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20‑21)).
It will be observed that the Apostle does not exactly say that the house of God contains vessels to honor and to dishonor, though this is true when we speak of the house of God as built by man under responsibility, according to its presentation in 1 Corinthians 3. It is a comparison rather that he uses, and hence he says, “In a great house.” We must remember that this is what the house of God on earth has become—a sphere in which believers and mere professors, faithful servants and evil servants, have become so mixed that vessels of gold and silver are mingled everywhere with those of wood and earth.
Such was the state of things which had arisen even in Paul’s day and from which the Spirit of God takes occasion to lay down principles for individual guidance, as the confusion and corruption became more pronounced. The Apostle then says, “If a man therefore purge himself from these,” and the language is very strong—“purge out himself from.” Here we are to purge ourselves out from the vessels of dishonor. As individuals we have to separate ourselves from evil in order to be approved for the Lord’s service.
What Vessels Are to Dishonor?
Vessels to dishonor mean those, whether Christians or simply professors, who are defiled with evil of any kind or engaged in anything that dishonors the Lord’s name. The responsibility is not to judge the personal state and condition of other vessels, but to purge himself from what dishonors the Lord’s name, because he is under the obligation, as naming the name of the Lord, to depart from iniquity.
The consequence of separating from such vessels is that we shall be vessels unto honor (and this will explain the meaning of the vessels of gold and of silver in the preceding verse), sanctified, set apart, and serviceable, for the Master’s use — prepared unto every good work. This is a solemn word for believers. Do any then desire to be used of the Lord? Here is His own qualification for service. Then, when once qualified, it is His to take us up and use us how He will.
A Pure Heart
There is, however, also the positive side of separation, and hence the Apostle adds, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:2222Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)). On the one hand, Timothy was to “flee” from youthful lusts, but on the other hand, to “pursue” after the things here indicated. Purpose of heart will be needed for both. Note, moreover, that these things are to be “pursued” in company with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. It is often contended that separation from evil would lead to a path of isolation. This scripture is a complete answer to such a contention, for it is evident that all who recognize their individual responsibility to depart from iniquity must be drawn together in the same company.
Foolish Questions
Once more the Apostle warns Timothy to beware of controversies: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Tim 2:23; compare 2 Tim. 2:1616But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:16)). It is literally foolish and “undisciplined” questions, and the word “undisciplined” is often used for a “mind not subject to God, a man following his own mind and will.” This will explain the kind of questioning referred to — those which spring from man’s own thoughts and reasonings, and which therefore could not fail to produce strifes. The introduction of this last word, “strifes,” furnishes the opportunity for a beautiful description of what should be the character of a true servant. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Tim 2:24-26).
Such is the revelation here made — that all who resist the truth of God, who refuse it, however eminent they may be in the world of intellect or science, are nothing more than the poor slaves of Satan, led of, if not inspired by, him, even as the servants of the Lord are led and taught by the Spirit of God.
E. Dennett (adapted)