25/08/2026
A TEACHING DELIVERED BY PASTOR (DR.) E.O. ELEMESE AT THE OSUN STATE CPFN/PFN MINISTERS/WORKERS CONFERENCE HELD ON TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST,2026 AT THE OSCAN SECRETARIAT.THEME: THE VESSEL GOD USES.
TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:21
1. Introduction
Five major reasons for this topic at this material time.
▪︎ The decadent state of the church and the inferiority of some of her workers. 1 Tim. 3: 1‐4. "A Bishop then must be blameless...
▪︎ The church is in the awareness/ awakening period. 1Tim. 4:1‐6. "Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2. Speaking lies in hypocrisy.....
▪︎ The inevitable need of church workers to be well informed and equipped. 2 Tim.2:15.
"Study to show yourself approved unto God..
▪︎ The possibility of working for God, but not recognised by God. Matthew 7:21-23.
"Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father in heaven." ☆What we are with God is more important than what we accomplish in life.
▪︎ The danger of being a failed servant. Matthew 7:23. "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you, depart from me, you workers of iniquity/ who practice lawlessness."
11. Biblical definition of a vessel.
Psalm 2:7-8 denotes the Lord's intent to work through a human king with the end goal of extending His kingdom, and being an inheritance to all people.
In its broadest sense, the Hebrew word 'skeuos' can refer to an object of almost any kind, such as tool, instrument, weapon, or someone's property.
It also implies containers of different kinds and purposes such as the vessel of vinegar in John 19:29. "Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. In essence, a vessel God uses is a container of God’s spirit, power, and purpose to fulfil God's mission on earth.
In another sense, a vessel according to this same Hebrew word skeuos also refers to physical bodies or to persons.
111. Two classes of vessels.
It is of paramount importance for us to discuss the two classes of vessels as related biblically if we would actually understand this subject matter. 2 Tim 2:20.
"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour." KJV.
a. Vessel unto honour.
b. Vessel unto dishonour.
1V. Distinguishing factors of the two classes.
The above passage indicates the possibility of one as a Pastor, or church worker being used as God's vessel, and might end up being either noble or ignoble based on the choice of lifestyle of the vessel.
a. Vessel unto honour.
• They have genuinely experienced saving grace through Christ. 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 1 Tim. 2:3-7.
• They are Holy Spirit filled. John 16:13; Acts 4:8, 31; 6:5.
• They have the down‐to-heart knowledge of the Bible, not mere head knowledge.
• They purge themselves from iniquity. 2 Tim. 2:21. "If a man therefore purge himself from these(iniquities), he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."
• They never compromised their faith in Christ and His teachings in pure conscience. Rev. 7:13-14; 1 Tim. 2:7; 1 Tim. 3:9.
• They have a good report both within the confines of the Christian family and in the external community. 1Tim. 3:7; Phil. 4:8.
• They have exemplary Christian homes. 1 Tim. 3:4.
• They have been thoroughly processed in the Lord's vineyard, not half baked. 2 Tim. 2:21. Paul learned under Gamaniel. spiritually, he received impartation from Ananias and was with the disciples for certain days at Damascus before he started his ministry. So was Samuel under Eli, Joshua under Moses, Elisa, under Elijah, and the twelve disciples under Jesus Christ.
• The vessels unto honour are called by God, Acts 9:15. "But the Lord said unto Him,(Ananias concerning Saul of Tarsus)Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:" They are not only working for God, but also working with God, solely dependent on His unfailing power. John 15:16 & 4.
b. Vessel unto dishonour.
These are the set of servants of God who, though were truly called to serve, some called themselves, but eventually became unfaithful. E.g. Gehas, Judas Iscariot, Demas, Elimas the sorcerer and lots more.
° They were once saved but overpowered by Satan, the flesh, and sin. Rom 1:19,21- 27.
° They are not well groomed in the knowledge of God. Rom 1:28.
° Not Holy Spirit filled, but are filled with all unrighteousness. Rom. 1:29
° Not heaven minded, caring for the things of the world. 1John 2:15; Rom.12:2
° Non dependant on the power of the cross, they are rather fe**sh. Rev 9:20,21; 21:8.
V. The reward and consequences of the vessels unto honour and the vessels unto dishonour respectively.
● The faithful servants would be commended. Matthew 25:20-23.
● They would be crowned and enthroned in the everlasting Kingdom of Christ. 2Tim.2:11-12
● They would be promoted to rule over a larger part in Christ' kingdom. Matt.24:47; Luke 12:44.
● The unfaithful will be judged and condemned. Matt. 25:24-30.
● They will suffer rejection and ignominy. Matt. 25:11-12; 8:12; Rev.22:15.
● They will be demoted. Matt. 25:28-29
● They will suffer eternal peril. Rev. 19:20; 20:15.
VI. Conclusion
Brethren, let us know assuredly, as Paul the Apostle reiterated " Faithful is He that called you, who also will do it." (1Thess. 5:24.) Invariably, His calling is also without repentance. Let us therefore wait on our ministry.(Rom.12:7), lay aside every weight and the sin which easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.(Heb 12:1). Abstain from all appearance of evil.(1Thess.5:22) Be prayerfully watchful in all things.(1Thess.5:17)Never keep the company of backsliding and disorderly brothers.(2Thess.3:6) Looking Unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who is also the coming Lord with rewards.(Heb.12:2; Rev.22:7,11.
May His grace be sufficient for us to be successful in our calling, unto the glorious end, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.
