Romans 9:21-23 Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor?… I. WHY BELIEVERS ARE COMPARED TO VESSELS. The figure suggests the idea of — 1. Capacity. Capable of being filled. Their value is in their emptiness (2 Kings 4:3-6). Sense of need. 2. Reception. The first thing needed, when emptied, is to receive. Mercy (Romans 9:23; 1 Timothy 1:16). Pardon (Acts 26:18). The engrafted word (James 1:21). Christ (Colossians 2:6). Power (Acts 1:8). 3. Possession. To hold what is put into them. The Word of God (Colossians 3:16; John 15:7). Not leaky (Hebrews 2:1). II. THE HONOUR CONFERRED ON THESE VESSELS. 1. They bear God's Name (Acts 9:15). Character (Deuteronomy 28:10). Service (Deuteronomy 10:8). 2. They contain God's treasure {2 Corinthians 4:7). The vessel — frail and worthless. The treasure — all powerful and priceless. 3. They are used in God's service (2 Timothy 2:21). Their meetness consists in being set apart — cleansed — filled. (E. H. Hopkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? |
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