20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
Verse 20 warned Timothy that false teachers would always be false teachers who would try to undermine the Bible. He contrasted true teachers of God’s Word to false teachers by giving analogies of utensils and their material to explain how God preserves His truth.
20 But in a great house
A great household well equipped has utensils of varying kinds. It uses the tools most valuable for its purpose. In this case, the “great house” is the church faithful to God’s Word by faithful Bible exposition, representing the body of Christ, the entire church (2 Co 4:7).
there are not only vessels of gold and silver,
Containers of gold and silver are valuable. “Vessels” refers to domestic utensils and specifies individual believers. “Vessels of gold and silver” represent prominently displayed church leaders.
but also of wood and clay,
Wood and clay are not as valuable as gold and silver because they are not solid materials but valuable for their intended use. Vessels of “wood and clay” are more utilitarian and are not used to display beauty.
some for honor and some for dishonor.
Some materials are more valuable than others, but people make the utensils from the end product most usable for the material it offers.
PRINCIPLE:
One requirement for a church true to Scripture is to have pastors who correctly handle the Word of God.
APPLICATION:
God will use some in a faithful church to truly honor His Word. They will be His delight because they are true to His teaching. Others will exist as examples of those contaminated by false doctrine.
