Gr. hagiazō, “to make holy,” “to treat as holy” (see on John 17:11, 17; 1 Cor. 7:14). For the noun hagiasmos see on Rom. 6:19. Here Paul is building on his exhortation to separate “from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19). Through sanctification the life becomes progressively more like God, who is “holy” (see on 1 Peter 1:16). Every phase of this church member’s life is dedicated to the honor of God; thus, he becomes “a vessel unto honour.”

The difference between the household utensil of dishonor and the church member of dishonor is that the church member may change his nature and become precious to God and worthy of eternal life.

 Paul refers to both the false teachings (vs. 14, 16-18), and the church members of “dishonour” (v. 20).

 Gr. ekkathairō, “to cleanse thoroughly.” Compare “depart from iniquity” (v. 19).

Gr. euchrēstos, “useful.”

 That is, use by Jesus Christ. He desires the services of genuine Christians, for only thus will the world ever see the supreme worth of God’s way of life (see on 2 Cor. 2:14; 1 Tim. 4:16). Through the personality of Christlike men and women the world will finally be confronted with God’s last call of mercy (see on 2 Peter 3:12). The church members who do not reveal the moral integrity of Jesus Christ are vessels of “dishonour” (2 Tim. 2:20) and become a stumbling block to the non-Christian.