Memory Verse: ” But we have this treasure in earthen vessel , that the excellency of power may be of God, and not of us”– 2 Cor. 4:7.

Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 2:20-21.

Introduction

God can make something out of nothing and will never create anything without a purpose. He chose a small portion of the dust to form man and His breath in the nostril of man made the difference, making man a living soul (Genesis 2:7). God has a purpose for all souls He created including all the resources He puts into our hands more so because no one can have anything except it is given from above. God expects the resources given to us to flow through us to benefits others and this forms the differences between a container and a vessel.

OUTLINES

1. TREASURES IN DUSTS

2. CONTAINERS OR VESSELS

TREASURES IN DUSTS

Dust has no serious relevance to man until God touched, made and breathed into it, the breath of life. (Genesis 2:7). He deposited part of Himself- His Spirit- into the dust and deposited a treasure in it (Job 32:8). That small portion of dust began to move on the larger portion with authority from God (Genesis 1:28). When the master in the Parable of the Talent was traveling to a Far Country, he gave talents to his servants according to their pre-determined abilities. All the servants got something, and none was empty. All of us therefore, have resources deposited inside of us and no one is empty (2 Cor. 4:7). Our Master, Jesus Christ, has deposited great treasures into us (Eph. 4:7-8) and expects us to use the resources and make profits so that He will bless us when He comes back (1 Cor. 12:7; Revelation 22:12). What you do with the resources is a matter of choice you could be a container or a vessel.

CONTAINER OR VESSELS

God expects us to be vessels and not containers. What then makes a container different from a vessel?

1. A container receives and retains whereas a vessel transports (transmits). Abraham received Isaac and was willing to release Him (Genesis 22:15-18).

2. A container is a reservoir, but a vessel is a channel (Luke 12:16-21; Genesis 12:1-3).

3. A container is basically static like a pond but a vessel is dynamic (Acts 8:5-6; Eccl. 11:2-6).

4. A container gives only when compelled but a vessel is always giving (Eccl. 11:2-6).

5. A container is limited in reception, but a vessel is unlimited because it is constantly flowing (John 20:21-22; Prov. 11:24).

6. A container abides alone whereas a a vessel touches several others (John 12:24; Acts 10:38; John 7:37-39).

A container becomes a vessel if the container is willing. If a wheel is attached to a container and pulled, it becomes a vessel. A good example is in Elisha who forsook his ambition, attached himself to Elijah and kept moving (1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:1-22).

CONCLUSION: Beware, a vessel could equally become a container. Let the one who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls (1 Cor. 10:12).

QUESTIONS

1. Give some examples of situations when God brought out something from nothing.

2. What are the differences between a container and a vessel?

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) biblical characters with scriptural reference each, who remained vessels in God’s hands (2×5=10 Marks).

Action Point

PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.

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