The imagery of the vessels can be explained simply. In the Lord’s church, He has the right to expect us to be honorable in our service. Unfortunately, some fail Him in this. They are described as vessels of wood and clay, rather than gold and silver.
Can you imagine being in the Lord’s house, and dishonoring yourself? Some do! Thus his warning which includes the following: Sinful lust (referred to here as youthful lusts), and participating in foolish and ignorant disputes, causing strife and division among the people of God.
The key is to be honorable. This is done by cleansing ourselves from any dishonor. For God’s child, knowing that sin is possible for any of us, we must repent and pray God’s forgiveness when we dishonor ourselves (cf. 1 John 9-10).
Here is what God expects, that we be “a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (9). Are you sanctified? Are you prepared?
