What kind of Vessel Are You?

“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. II Timothy 2.20


Paul talked earlier about continuing your knowledge of God and that it would help you ignore heresies and cults that have risen up over time. Paul also talks about how in spite of cults that the foundation of Christ still stands. No matter how few true Christians there are in the world the foundation of God is sure. Now Paul moves to a more sensitive topic and asks what kind of Christian are you. He compares us to tableware.

So what kind of vessel are you? Are you the plastic tumbler that gets thrown around the house and the dog picks up and plays with and destroys? Are you the china cup that is adored and taken care of very carefully?

This is what Paul is talking about. What kind of Christian are you in God’s eyes. Are you a crapping one or a good one?

Do you dishonor God by what you do or do you honor Him? If you want to be used by God you have to throw off what is keeping you a disposable vessel. He wants to use you for His glory. He does not want you to be an idle Christian.

Think of it this way. You are a guest at someone’s house and they ask you if you would like something to drink? You say yes. Moments later they come out with your drink. Now how would you feel if they served you coffee in a beat up tumbler that burned your hands? You would feel a lot better if they served you coffee in a nice china cup with a saucer or a very nice coffee mug.


What type of vessel are you?

What is a Christian's foundation?

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2.19.


In spite of cults, heresies, and Satan’s devices  God’s foundation stands and is solid. We do not have to worry about it because God is still on the throne. Nothing gets past him. All foundations crumble over time.  Just look at an old house whose foundation is starting to crack and break.  Unless this is fixed, there is no hope for the house or building. It will fall like a house of cards. This is not so with the foundation of God.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Matthew 24.35. 

We have a guarantee. Our foundation will not crack, soften, or decay. Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “ Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.

Jesus Christ is our foundation. He is the only begotten Son of God. Have you ever noticed that religions always attack Jesus’ Deity? They all do. The first thing they want to do is strip away the fact that Jesus Christ is born fully man and fully God. People do not want to accept this fact. They do not want to accept the fact that He has always been. They will willingly call him a prophet but not the Everlasting God.


1 Corinthians 3:11
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:20
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,


The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. (Definition from wikipedia.com)


Jesus Christ is our reference point. Not sure if something is right or wrong. Would Jesus do it? Would you be embarrassed if Jesus showed up in the middle of your conversation? We need to live our lives though He is present with us physically because He already is spiritually.


This is why our belief is not a religion. True Christianity is NOT a religion. Religion is man’s way to God. Faith is God’s way to man. We live according to His foundation not some made up set of rules that someone else devised.

How to respond to Cultists at your door?

II Timothy 2.16
But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.


Most of us here in the United States have experienced this in one way or another. You are busy doing whatever and you get a knock on the door. You open the door and usually there stands two people dressed up to the max. They begin talking and you quickly gather that they are either Jehovah’s Witness or Mormons.  How should we respond?


In Paul’s days different cults/heresies were growing as quickly as the church. He gives us an insight in how we are to act.  Verse fifteen states we need to continue our education of God’s Word so we can grow in Him. How does this education help us? Let’s take a look.

The word shun is to avoid deliberately or keep away from. Learning God’s Word helps us know what a cult or a heresy is. Avoid or stay away from anything that contradicts the Word of God. Scripture interprets Scripture.

I Peter 1.20-21
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,  for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Cult leaders are famous for twisting God’s words to deceive people. Satan did it with Adam and Eve.

Romans 16:17
 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

We are not to associate ourselves with those whose doctrine is different from the word. A number of reasons why but here are a few:

You probably won’t change their minds.
They could shake your faith.
They might shake someone else’s faith.
You may give into anger instead of responding in love.
You give them importance that they should not have.
Cultists will be encouraged that you talked to them and will continue in their religious zeal.

Remember the devil does not care how he throws you off as long as he does. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and let God be God and you be you. Does this mean we should not present the gospel to them if the Holy Spirit leads?