Vessels of Honor and Dishonor
On December 2, 1974, Brother Stephen Kaung delivered a ministry based on 2 Timothy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the church amidst corruption and confusion. He highlighted that Paul's second letter to Timothy serves as a testament to the challenges faced by the early church, drawing parallels to contemporary issues within Christianity. Stephen pointed out that while the church was once referred to as God's house, it had now become a 'great house' filled with both honorable and dishonorable vessels. He urged believers to purify themselves from worldly influences and to strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, emphasizing the need for individual responsibility in a time of spiritual decline. Stephen reassured that despite the chaos, God's foundation remains firm, and He knows those who are His. He encouraged believers to withdraw from iniquity and to uphold the truth of the gospel, reminding them that suffering for Christ is part of the Christian journey. Ultimately, he called for a collective pursuit of holiness and faithfulness, assuring that God will maintain His testimony through those who earnestly seek Him.
Outline of Main Points
Introduction to the ministry and context of 2 Timothy
Comparison of the early church's challenges to contemporary issues
Transition from 'God's house' to 'great house' in the church
Call for personal purification and individual responsibility
Assurance of God's unshakeable foundation
Encouragement to withdraw from iniquity and uphold truth
Importance of collective pursuit of holiness and faithfulness
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 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. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
