Their Love of Iniquity Gives Them Away

236 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 2:19b, “The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 20 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. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Tim 2:19b-21) The word “but” in verse 20, ties the thought into the preceding verse which stated that the Lord knows those who are His. He knows His vessels of honor and likens them to the preciousness of gold and silver. These vessels have named Christ as their Lord and Savior and evidenced their faith by departing from iniquity. The great house here is the church. In the church you will find both the precious saints of gold and silver, and the hypocrites of wood and clay. These vessels or persons are those who are common in that they lack the necessary refinement brought about by true faith and the indwelling Holy Spirit. These vessels may confess Christ with their lips, (they're in the house) but their love of iniquity gives them away. Jesus said in Mt 15:7,8 "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. (Mt 5:7,8) Is there hope for the hypocrite? Of course! “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” The technique for cleansing is found in 1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Once cleansed of our sins, we are sanctified, (made holy) and fit for whatever task the Master puts before us. When do you break out the silver in your house? On special occasions of course! God saved you by grace through faith. He made you a vessel of silver and gold and He has prepared occasions especially for you. (See Eph 2:8-10) Be ready! Depart from iniquity, polish that gold and silver up on a regular basis through confession! Tarnished vessels are not fit for the kingdom of God!