2 Timothy 2:20-21 20Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of clay, and some for honor and some for dishonor. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
The image changes to vessels, or basically “dishes” and storage containers within a large house in the first century. Not every house would have vessels of gold and silver, so this would be more of the house of the wealthy. The more expensive objects would be used for honor, such as for a special dinner. A modern example would be bringing out the fine china and silverware for a formal dinner. The objects of wood and clay would be used for dishonor, which means in this context everyday use. A modern equivalent might be the plastic bowl or porcelain plate used by most people every day to eat on.
Paul applies this (therefore) in verse 21 to spiritual life. An everyday vessel made of clay or wood can be used for a special occasion. It does not matter what the object is made up but what its purpose is. The invitation to be used by the Master, referring to Jesus, is open to anyone. This verse is given in the form of a conditional sentence. The condition for a vessel to be used in an honorable way is for it to be cleansed. The word cleanse (ekkatharē) means to make something pure so it can be in the presence of God who is holy. Sanctification is the process by which something is cleansed of impurities making it holy. What defiles an object is the unrighteousness of verse 19.
The grammatical construction of cleanses himself implies that we must make the choice of commitment and dedication of ourselves to God. Elsewhere, Paul writes of this as a dying to the old life controlled by sin (Romans 6:6-7; Ephesians 4:22). We must reject the pull of the flesh and be transformed in our thinking (Romans 12:1-2).
The vessel that has been cleansed is described in four ways, each of which is a reflection of the others. First, it is honorable, like an object made of costly gold and silver. Those who are cleansed can come into God’s presence without shame. Second, the vessel is sanctified and made holy by the removal of sin. Honor is the result of sanctification. Third, sanctification makes the vessel useable for the Master. Sanctification basically means set aside for use by God. Fourth, the cleansed object is ready to be used for every good work. God has created us for good works and given us the gifts and graces to carry out his will (Ephesians 2:8-10). The sequence in this verse is significant: cleansing results in honor, sanctification, and being useful to God evident in good works that bring glory to God.
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