Warriors for the Faith, Series 2, Lesson 2: A Clean Vessel

Authorized Sword Ministries

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Hello, friend. Welcome to Authorized Sword Ministries.

We're so glad you're here.

Where We Left Off

Last time we saw that a warrior stays in communication with the Lord through prayer. Today is Lesson Two of Series Two, The Warrior's Walk. It's called "A Clean Vessel."

This is not a repeat of our course on sexual purity and freedom. That course is there if you need it, and there is hope in Christ. Today's lesson is about something every warrior needs: a clean heart, so the Master can use us.

Our Key Verse

"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."
— 2 Timothy 2:21 (KJV)

"Meet" means fit, or ready. God is looking for a vessel He can use. The next verse tells us how:

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
— 2 Timothy 2:22 (KJV)

Notice two directions. Flee what defiles. Follow what is right, and do it with others who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Men and women alike are called to this.

Joseph Ran

Joseph was a young man far from home, trusted in a powerful house. The master's wife tried to pull him into sin. Listen to what he said:

"…how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"
— Genesis 39:9 (KJV)

He did not stay and argue. He ran.

"…and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out."
— Genesis 39:12 (KJV)

As an application, a clean vessel is not only a matter of saying no in your head. Sometimes holiness looks like leaving the room.

Daniel Purposed in His Heart

Daniel was a young man in a pagan court, with pressure all around him. Before the lions' den, before the visions, he made a decision:

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank…"
— Daniel 1:8 (KJV)

Purity starts in the heart, before the test comes. The psalmist asked a question every young man, and every young woman, still needs:

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word."
— Psalm 119:9 (KJV)

The Word is how we keep the vessel clean. Jesus said:

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
— Matthew 5:8 (KJV)

Holiness Is for Every Believer

Peter wrote to the whole church:

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
— 1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)

"Conversation" here means your whole way of life. Paul said it this way:

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
— 2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)

And the will of God is not a secret:

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;"
— 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (KJV)

This is for "every one of you." Eyes, thoughts, words, and the body itself belong to the Lord.

If you have already failed in this, do not stop here in shame. David prayed, after a terrible fall:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
— Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

God still answers that prayer. The blood of Jesus can make the dirtiest vessel clean again, and useful again.

Closing Thought

A warrior for the faith keeps a clean vessel, not to look holy to people, but to be meet for the Master's use. Guard your heart. Flee what defiles. Follow righteousness with others who love the Lord. Next time, in Lesson Three, we'll look at a quiet weapon many believers have forgotten: fasting.

Let Us Pray

Lord, create in us a clean heart. Help us flee what defiles us, and make us vessels unto honour, ready for every good work. In Jesus' name, amen.

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