To be set apart, holy, cleansed, and sanctified

We go back to the central verse in 1 Timothy 2:20-21 and understand that to be a vessel first means to be cleansed and sanctified (or set apart) solely for the work of the Lord. A vessel can either be of gold or silver (or) of wood and clay, denoting that which will be burnt by the fire on the day of judgement when everything will be tested by fire. A vessel cannot serve two purposes, for it will be defiled by the other and will be rendered useless in the holy work of the Lord.

We all are the flesh of Adam, as Psalm 51 says, we have all been conceived in sin. But as it says, in Romans as through one man sin entered the world, so through one man sin has been overcome.

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

-Romans 5:18-19

How are we made Holy, set apart, sanctified?

1. By grace through faith in Jesus. 

For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

-Ephesians 5:8-9

2. By continuing to abide in Jesus

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

-1 John 3:4-9

How do we know we abide in Jesus? Jesus has told the answer – through our fruits (fruit of the Spirit)

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be My disciples.

-John 15:1-8

3. By loving Jesus more and more

 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

-John 14:21

Prayer guide: 

Be encouraged to ask God to increase your faith, to bear more fruits in His Spirit, and to increase His love in you. Ask Him to sanctify you of your sins, through the blood of the Lamb who was slain.