Table of Contents
This lesson uses the metaphor of a bowl to represent a person or their heart. The physical characteristics of a bowl are explored – it is a container designed to hold something, its purpose comes from what is inside it, and it is crafted by a potter (representing God).
Spiritually, God is the Potter who wants to mold and shape us (the clay) into noble “bowls” or vessels for His purposes, using His Word (the water) and trials (the fire) to refine us. There are two types of bowls – those filled with God’s truth and those filled with Satan’s lies.
The goal is to become a “noble bowl” that is cleansed and useful for God’s work, like the Apostle Paul who considered his old ways as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. This requires spiritual “fasting” from Satan’s deceptions and filling ourselves with God’s Word continually.
The church is portrayed as a large bowl containing many individual bowls gathered together. In the end, the angels will separate the “good fish” (righteous) into baskets (churches) and cast out the “bad fish” (wicked). By allowing God’s refining process and filling our hearts with His truth, we can become noble vessels prepared for Christ’s return.
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Bowl
I have put the term “container” in parentheses because it is more of an umbrella term. So terms like “article,” “vessel,” “container,” “bowl,” and “cup” – we will see these words used today. They all refer to the same concept. They are all types of containers that can hold something. So keep this general idea of a “container” in mind.
Bowl = Person (person’s heart)
Figurative Bowl (Container)
Main Reference:
Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever.
So what is said here, the seven angels are given Seven bowls And these bowls are poured out on. And they contain the wrath of God. So we want to understand this prophecy in Revelation, we first need to understand what the bowl is. And why? Works the way it works.
What it truly contains.
So that we can know when these bowls are poured out and what that actually means what the consequences are of that. So, seven angels are given seven bowls of wrap.
Seven bowls of wrath, seven, angels. Seven bowls. Oh, I can’t wait for us to go over this content in detail. When we get to Revelation.
1. Physical Characteristics of Bowl
What is our famous verse for physical characteristics?
Roman 1:21
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
God’s invisible qualities are explained and made known by what He has created.
So let’s briefly look at bowls to understand how they apply spiritually:
1. First, bowls are instruments for containing or holding something. They are designed for this purpose.
2. Second, bowls get their name, use, and purpose from what is inside them. For example, you can have an expensive gold bowl filled with trash – it then becomes an expensive trash can. Or you can have an inexpensive clay bowl containing something precious – this makes it valuable because of its contents, not its physical makeup. When you go to a restaurant, you get named bowls based on their contents – a rice bowl, salad bowl, water bottle, etc. The contents define the purpose of the container.
3. Finally, bowls are crafted by potters and artisans who carefully shape them to be useful vessels. Making pottery requires patience and skill to produce something functional. God often references this process in Scripture for a reason.
Reminder:
1. Instrument for holding
2. Name, use and purpose —— > what is inside
3. Made by a potter
2. Spiritual Meaning of Bowl
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
God is our Potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8). Just as a potter takes clay and turns it into a bowl, this verse says that God is the Potter and we are the clay – we people. So then, what is God wanting to turn us into? How does He want to form us and create us? The clay is just the starting point, but it should not be the point at which we remain. Because we do not want to be the ones who are from dust, and to dust return spiritually. Let us be the ones who remain the way that God wants to form us.
So let’s look at the actual process of how bowls are made, because it will really show us how God intends to mold each and every one of us. Many things, as they begin, start as raw materials. For a bowl, the raw material is clay. Clay is essentially dust particles that have been formed together. So clay or dust is clay particles that have separated. This is the starting point for us all – clay or dust. But in order for the clay and dust to be made useful, it must go through a process. That process begins with:
Water. Using water, a skilled potter can turn the clay into many different forms. So what water is God going to use to form us? What water is God going to use to form us? His Word. As Scripture says…
Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
We’ll have a whole lesson on figurative water to come later. It’s a very deep topic. This is just a preview. But this analogy makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? God takes us and begins to mold us using His Word. And His Word changes us. It guides us, nurtures us, and cleanses us.
But is the bowl finished at this point? No. It is still soft and squishy. You can easily break it with very little effort. It is not done yet. It now has to be refined. And what is used to refine the bowl, to make it permanent?
Fire is used next. It is the fire that will refine the clay, burning out the impurities, and hardening it into a useful, solid material. This process is deeply uncomfortable. But it is necessary. So then, what is the fire that God uses to refine us and purify us to solidify us?
It is through trials and tribulations that God refines us, as described in His Word. We also learn from Scripture how to overcome those trials and tribulations. God uses His Word to inform us about how to prevail during difficult times.
Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty says: “Because the people have spoken these words, I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these people the wood it consumes.
Fire can serve two purposes. It can either refine or destroy. Fire heats, cooks, prepares, and refines, or it judges and ruins. We should strive to be refined by God’s fire, which is His Word. As mentioned, God allows us to endure trials so that we can mature and be strengthened. However, we only mature through absorbing the Word, which anchors us firmly in place.
When anchored by the Word, we are no longer malleable, easily swayed by whatever comes our way. Unrefined clay squishes instantly when pressed. In contrast, clay that has undergone the refining process holds its shape. Likewise, when anchored in the Word, Satan’s attacks bounce off us. Let us become firm and useful through the refining process.
Finally, the bowl is ready to serve its purpose after refinement. This explains why God uses the metaphor of a bowl to describe us. He intends for us to become noble bolws. With this context established, let us examine what Scripture says about Christians becoming noble bowls. We will begin by turning to the book of Romans.
Reminder:
Potter (God) —-> Clay (We) ——> Bowl (Clay + Water + Fire)
21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
This passage emphasizes God’s authority as the Potter. It asks, does the Potter have the right to make different types of pottery out of the same lump of clay for different purposes? There are two purposes mentioned – noble use and common use.
Common use refers to everyday dishes like dinner plates, forks and spoons. Noble use refers to fine china used only on special occasions, consecrated for those times. From God’s perspective, which type of pottery would we rather be – common that can be discarded or noble that is set aside?
The text also mentions vessels prepared for destruction to showcase God’s wrath and power, contrasted with vessels of mercy prepared for glory, to display the riches of His glory. Let us strive to be those prepared for glory rather than destruction.
God calls both Jews and Gentiles. He makes us into figurative bowls or vessels. However, some vessels are chosen for holy purposes while others are for common use. What does it mean to be called and chosen by God for special purposes? Let’s examine the example of a man in Acts who underwent a major transition to understand more.
In summary, this passage teaches that <strong>God molds us for different purposes – common or noble. Our goal is to allow Him to shape us into noble vessels for holy use, not common vessels that face destruction. The next section details an example of someone transformed from common to noble.
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.
The Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument. He is a chosen vessel who will carry my name and word to the Gentiles.” Jesus was speaking about Saul, who would become Paul after his conversion.
Paul was not some normal person. He had a very rich history. He was once a Pharisee – and not just any Pharisee. Paul was the Pharisee’s Pharisee, one who carried out the law to the greatest degree, one who was very zealous.
In fact, Paul was so zealous that he oversaw the persecution and destruction of many Christian churches and people. The people in Acts 7 who laid their clothes at the feet of the recently stoned Stephen laid them at Paul’s feet while he was still Saul the Pharisee.
So what use was Paul at that point before Acts 9? What kind of use was Saul before his conversion – noble or something else? He was definitely being used for unnoble purposes. But then Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and everything changed.
Let’s talk about something very important here – what does it mean to be chosen? Remember how God looks at people? Does He look at our physical appearance, body, height, gender, birthplace, age? No. What does God really care about? What is He looking for? God cares about one’s heart. He looks for specific characteristics in a person and wonders, can I use this person to accomplish my mission?
So God and Jesus looked at Saul, one who was very zealous, and thought that if he was on their side he could do a lot of good. After his revelation and conversion, when Paul realized all the things he had done – when he realized who he used to be and who he now needed to be – he dropped everything and changed. Everything he once found valuable he tossed away.
“My position as a high-ranking teacher of the law and Pharisee no longer matters. The fact that I am a Jewish man from Rome, a Roman citizen, a man’s man – that doesn’t matter anymore either. I’m now going to travel the world spreading the gospel, and I will go through horrible things, but that doesn’t matter.”
Let’s be like Paul. Let’s see how he describes this change in Philippians 3:8.
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
Paul stated, “If anyone were to say, ‘I am a great person with admirable characteristics – I am highly respected and of high rank according to worldly standards’ – I could have coasted through life on Easy Street. But in comparison to the all-powerful Christ and the knowledge of Him, all of that is worthless rubbish.”
As one who became God’s vessel – like an empty bowl – Paul tossed aside all that worthless rubbish from his old life. He no longer needed any of it. His goal was to empty himself of the things he now realized held little value, so that he could be filled with the truth.
Are we also emptying our bowls at this time of things we have come to question the worth of? Because comprehending Christ’s greatness is what really matters. This is why Jesus said in Matthew 5, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” But the one who is full and self-satisfied will receive nothing. Let us have eager receptiveness to take in a lot.
11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
The gospel that I teach to you, I did not receive from any man. My old ways came from human teachings, not divine revelation. The gospel I now preach to you came as a revelation from Jesus Christ himself, not from any man. I poured out the old teachings, considering them rubbish, so that I could be filled with and deliver this new revelation from above. Let’s all seek to be filled in the same way.
Reminder:
So let’s review what we’ve covered so far. A figurative bowl represents a person, or you can even say a person’s heart. The bowl is formed by the word and refined by the word so it can be used.
And a bowl that was once made for ignoble or common purposes can be transformed to be used for God’s noble purposes instead. So let’s strive to become a noble bowl like Paul was.
Let’s examine how that happens by discussing the two types of bowls.
3. Two types of Bowls
There are two types of people. One that is going to be filled with God’s word. Or one that is going to be filled with Satan’s lies.
A person’s value is not based on outward appearances or possessions. Their value comes from what is inside them – what they contain. So one can be dressed up fancy, wearing expensive clothes and jewels, yet only contain their own thoughts and Satan’s lies. Ultimately, from God’s perspective, that person is not very useful or holy. However, someone could have nothing in this world, but be filled with God’s word and be extremely valuable to Him. Let us strive to be like God’s bowl.
Today we need to self-reflect – how much of God’s word am I filled with? How much is within me? Am I able to understand everything I read in God’s word? When someone asks me a question about the Bible, can I comfortably answer with scripture? For example, “Great question! Let’s go to this passage where God already answered…”
A bowl can be 20% full, 50% full, 100% full or overflowing. What should we be? We should be overflowing so that there is so much within us that it spills out and fills others too. As the saying goes “out of the good stored up in his heart, a man speaks.”
Let us fulfill others, but first understand more about bowls that go empty versus bowls used to fill others.
11 “Moab has been at rest from youth, like wine left on its dregs, not poured from one jar to another— she has not gone into exile.
So she tastes as she did, and her aroma is unchanged.
12 But days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will send men who pour from pitchers, and they will pour her out; they will empty her pitchers and smash her jars.
In this passage, Moab represents a group of Israelite people who have gone astray and accepted Gentile gods. From God’s perspective, they are being destroyed. What is said here about the Moabites?
Their wine is called “dregs” or “lees.” Dregs refer to the last, useless bit left in a container after the contents have been used up, like coffee grounds after brewing or a used tea bag. God is saying these people have nothing of value left within them. So He will send men to pour out and smash whatever is left in them, making them completely empty.
This is a prophecy that there will be men who empty and smash those “jars” or people groups that have become worthless dregs. If it is a prophecy, that means it must have a future fulfillment involving people who were once noble but became like useless vessels filled with worthless things. They will be judged. So when did this happen? How was this prophecy fulfilled?
25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
Who is speaking here in Matthew 23?
Jesus. Jesus is speaking here. And what did Jesus do? He said “woe to you”—woe means curse. Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You clean the outside of the cup and dish, a container vessel instrument. But inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
So Jesus and the 12 disciples judge the Pharisees and teachers of the law with the word. They smashed them, fulfilling the prophecy.
And I like the way verse 26 says, “Blind Pharisees! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside will also be clean.” The inside has always and will always matter more. That’s why Jesus said, “Foolish people, it is not what goes into your mouth that makes you unclean. It is what comes out that makes you unclean.” The inside is what matters.
So, how are our insides looking? Are our insides clean? Can we present our insides to God and have Him be pleased with what He sees? Or do we have some work to do? We have some cleaning to do. We can do it. Let’s be those who are clean.
4. How to become a Noble Bowl?
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Second Timothy, Talks about something very important. It mentions in a large house. There are many articles, articles, another term for vessel or container.
In a large house, there are many vessels articles. Of gold and silver Noble. Good materials. But are also a wood and clay for noble purposes and ignoble purposes. If a man cleanses himself, If a man cleanses himself from the ladder meaning ignoble purposes. Cleanse oneself. Is how we can become a noble bowl.
So then, what does it mean to cleanse oneself from the latter? What is required to do this? To cleanse oneself from the ladder. What does one need?
By the word Once faith is built by the word and through the word, one can be cleaned.
You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
Jesus talks about this so beautifully and I love the way Jesus puts it here. You are already clean. Because of the words, I have spoken. To you.
So, as Jesus was speaking to the disciples, His words were washing. His words were cleaning them. His words were making them, holy So if we want the same for us, this is what we need to do. Remember when we looked at Flesh and blood a few lessons ago, Jesus’s words same thing being cleansed by the blood of Jesus is the same.
Let’s be cleansed at this time. We can do it.
So I pray that every time you come before the word, you just feel different. You feel lighter? Like, wow. That was great. You’re like, let’s go take out the world. Right after being cleansed by the word. Okay, now there’s something I want to talk about here in relation to bowl.
5. Large Bowl: Church
Just as a person can be compared to a tree, when many trees are gathered together, they form a larger collective, like a forest. In the same way, a bowl can represent an individual, but there is also a type of large bowl that contains many smaller bowls inside of it.
This large bowl, or the gathering of many people together, is used to represent a church – a unified body that contains many members within it. Jesus told a parable about this concept of the church, comparing it to this image of a large bowl holding many smaller bowls inside.
The key message is that the church consists of many individuals joined together in community, just as a forest consists of many trees together or a large bowl contains many smaller bowls within it. This imagery conveys the interconnected and interdependent nature of the church, with Christ as the unifying center that holds the community together.
47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that is let down into the lake or the sea and catches all kinds of fish. The fish are then sifted or separated into two groups – good fish that are kept in a basket, which is a type of container where the good fish are gathered, and bad fish that are thrown back into the lake or the sea.
So then, is the lake or sea a good place if the bad fish are put back into it? No. We’ll have a whole lesson on the sea too that is coming up very soon.
The lake or sea is not a good place for fish to be, which is why the fish must be caught from that location in the first place and gathered into a good basket – representing the church.
For the world is not a good place for believers to remain. Just a little teaser – I don’t know if you caught it!
6. Spiritual Fasting
We will briefly cover fasting, and then we will conclude. Just as there is physical yeast, physical food, and physical bowls, the same principle also applies to fasting. There is physical fasting and there is spiritual fasting.
What does spiritual fasting mean?
The physical characteristics of fasting.
Fasting involves abstaining from food – abstaining from physical food. Physical fasting is done for several reasons. It may be done for health reasons or for religious experiences during times of prayer and crying out to God, which is commonly depicted in the Bible. However, there is another type of fasting that is not as widely known or discussed.
Some may think that fasting is inherently spiritual. But let’s examine this in more detail. There are actually two main types of fasting: physical fasting and spiritual fasting. While physical fasting focuses on abstaining from physical food and drink, spiritual fasting goes deeper – it involves abstaining from sinful behaviors and attitudes that interfere with our relationship with God. Though physical fasting has its place, spiritual fasting is less commonly understood yet vitally important for our spiritual growth. As we dive further into biblical teaching on fasting, we will explore the nature and power of spiritual fasting.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
God’s true fasting. The fasting that he really acknowledges—please hear me closely—is described in the book of Isaiah. At this time in Isaiah, God is not happy with the people of Israel.
The people of Israel are continuing to do the same ineffective things they’ve always been doing. We understand that God is not happy here. That’s why he says “You continue to do the things you’ve always been doing, but I do not acknowledge them anymore.”
What does God truly acknowledge and desire, according to verse six? Isn’t it the kind of fasting God has chosen—to loosen the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? God’s true fasting is to be set free, set free from something that once held you in captivity.
This still may not make complete sense yet. What is God and Jesus referring to here through the coming of His Son? Let’s continue examining…
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Then you will know the truth. And the truth will set you free.
But if someone comes to know Jesus’s words of truth, what must they stop receiving from that point on? Once they encounter the truth of Jesus, what should they stop willingly accepting?
They need to begin fasting from Satan’s lies, Satan’s words. You no longer need those things. You now have the word that has set you free. So what must one fast from? One must fast from Satan’s lies, Satan’s food.
I no longer need these things. But when someone identifies something as Satan’s food, they should stop receiving it no more. I will now abstain. I will only partake of the truth. That’s spiritual fasting. It does not replace physical fasting that is done for prayerful reasons or times of solace with God.
What I’m talking about here is no longer eating Satan’s food, by being set free from it by first knowing where it is and saying, “Oh, that’s Satan’s food, I no longer need that. Thank you very much.” “Oh, that’s Satan’s food back there. Thank you very much. I’ll be fasting from that.”
Like that, we understand. Okay, let’s fast from Satan’s food.
Memorization
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
A bowl represents a person, a person’s heart. We are first formed by God as formless, empty clay or dust. But God then begins to mold us with His Word, to shape us into vessels He can use for His purposes. He does the uncomfortable but important and necessary work of refining us, making us solid and sure. So that we can become noble and bold, useful to the Master – a bowl.
A person can change from one who was once ignoble to one who is now noble, with a calling and purpose from God. Like Paul, it’s not too late for anybody. Paul did far worse than most people will ever do, yet God still used him to spread the gospel.
There are two types of bowls – those on God’s side and those on Satan’s side. What is the difference? What is inside, building up the person? Are you filled with God’s Word to the point of overflowing, such that others are now filled by you? Or are you full of Satan’s lies without realizing it, having no interest in the things of God, thinking you lack nothing? Let’s not be like that.
Instead, “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Let’s not be like those of Moab, worthless to God because of what was inside. Rather, let’s be like Jesus and his disciples who judged with the words of truth. Let us cleanse ourselves with Jesus’ words which are like water or blood. And let’s gather in the basket – the place where other noble bowls assemble, not scattered in the sea.
When one identifies Satan’s poisonous food, spiritual fasting requires no longer eating it. Let’s breathe in the things of God instead.
Review with the Evangelist
REVIEW
Let’s review more about the lesson on the figurative meaning of “bowl” in the Bible.
The title of the lesson was “Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Bowl (Container).” What is the figurative meaning of a bowl? A person’s heart. So first, what are the physical characteristics of a bowl, as Romans 1:20 teaches that God explains spiritual things through physical things?
A bowl is an instrument for holding something. Its value or name depends on what it contains. For example, if it holds rice, it may be called a rice bowl. A bowl is also made by a potter, and we know the Potter represents God.
What is the process for making a bowl? God, the Potter, looks for good soil that He can mold. That is what we aim to be – good soil. Once God sees a receptive heart, He puts water on the clay and shapes it into a bowl. But the process doesn’t end there. The bowl must be refined through fire to become perfect.
We learned there are two types of spiritual bowls: God’s bowl, containing His nourishing food, and Satan’s bowl with harmful food. We need to become God’s bowl. So what is the process to become a noble bowl?
A noble bowl is cleansed inside, becoming useful to God. As 2 Timothy 2:20-21 states, “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” Just as Paul considered his old teachings rubbish and filled himself with Jesus’ words, we too can be cleansed by hearing and obeying God’s Word.
Is hearing God’s Word just once enough to make us a noble bowl? No, of course not. Just as molding a physical bowl requires water and fire to perfect it, we need God’s Word to constantly refine us into His vessel. This change is not easy. That is why we must persevere through any situation, continually meditating on the Word, to become noble bowls useful for our Master.
Review in Small Group
Review
The Secrets of Heaven: The Parable of the Bowl
The title “Secrets of Heaven” is figurative. In this parable, the bowl represents a person’s heart. Our hope is to become a noble bowl – holy and useful to God when Jesus returns.
Characteristics of a Bowl
1. A bowl holds or contains something inside it.
2. Its purpose comes from what is placed inside it.
3. Bowls are crafted by a potter, representing how God shapes us.
Spiritual Meaning of a Bowl
Isaiah 64:8 compares us to clay, with God as the divine Potter shaping us. How is a bowl made? The Potter takes clay, adds water, and molds its shape. A skilled Potter can mold the clay into any form. Next, the Word of God solidifies its shape like fire hardening clay. Now the bowl is ready to be filled and used.
Good and Bad Bowls
As with other parables, there are good bowls and bad bowls. A good bowl brims with God’s goodness. A bad bowl contains Satan’s lies and deception. Satan tricks us by making his bowl seem appealing, but it harms us. We must discern good from evil using God’s Word.
As God’s children, we must fill our bowls with goodness and Scripture to become noble bowls, ready for Jesus’ return. We must examine what kind of food our bowl contains. If needed, we must change our spiritual diet, following the Apostle Paul’s example. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 says if we cleanse ourselves, we can become a noble bowl.
Let’s join a good church (Matthew 13:47-50) to be gathered like good fish and wheat at harvest. In closing, we must discern with Scripture, not our own limited understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). As we study God’s ways and fill our bowls with goodness and truth, we can become noble bowls, prepared for Jesus’ return.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Unveiling the Secrets of Heaven: Understanding the Figurative Bowl
I. Introduction: Defining the Symbol of the “Container”
This section introduces the concept of the “container” as a broad term encompassing various types of vessels, including bowls and cups, all symbolizing a spiritual truth. The key takeaway is that these terms represent a common idea: holding and containing something.
II. Review: The Influence of “Yeast”
This section draws upon the analogy of yeast in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 to explain the impact of both positive and negative influences. The main point is that small amounts of “good yeast” (positive teachings and examples) or “bad yeast” (negative influences) can have a widespread effect, emphasizing the importance of being a good example and avoiding corrupting influences.
III. Figurative Bowl (Container): A Symbol Unveiled
This section introduces Revelation 15:7, where seven angels are given seven bowls filled with God’s wrath, establishing the bowl as a key symbol requiring deeper understanding. It highlights the need to grasp the meaning of the bowl and its contents to comprehend the prophecy’s implications.
IV. 1. Physical Characteristics of a Bowl
This section explores the physical characteristics of a bowl to understand its spiritual significance, drawing from Romans 1:21, which emphasizes learning about God’s invisible qualities through His creation. The main points are:
- A. Instrument for Containing: Bowls are designed to hold and contain.
- B. Defined by Contents: A bowl’s purpose and value are determined by what it holds.
- C. Crafted by a Potter: Bowls are carefully shaped by skilled artisans, highlighting the intentional creation process.
V. 2. Spiritual Meaning of Bowl
This section uses Isaiah 64:8, which describes God as the Potter and humans as clay, to explain the spiritual meaning of the bowl as representing a person, specifically their heart. It details the process of molding and refining the “clay” (humans) through:
- A. Water (God’s Word): God shapes us using His Word, which guides, nurtures, and cleanses us.
- B. Fire (Trials and Tribulations): God refines us through challenges, strengthening our faith and solidifying our character.
The section concludes by emphasizing the goal of becoming a noble bowl, ready to serve God’s purpose.
VI. Romans 9:21-24: Vessels for Noble and Common Use
This section analyzes Romans 9:21-24 to explain God’s authority in shaping us for different purposes. It distinguishes between:
- A. Common Use: Vessels for everyday purposes, easily replaceable.
- B. Noble Use: Vessels for special, holy purposes, set apart and valued.
The passage emphasizes the importance of striving to be a vessel prepared for glory and holy purposes, not one destined for destruction.
VII. Acts 9:15: The Transformation of Saul (Paul)
This section uses the example of Saul’s conversion to Paul to illustrate the transformation from a common to a noble vessel. It highlights:
- A. God’s Focus on the Heart: God looks beyond outward appearances and chooses individuals based on their heart’s condition.
- B. Transformation Through Revelation: Saul’s encounter with Jesus led to a radical change in his life, priorities, and purpose.
- C. Emptying the Bowl: Paul discarded his old, worthless beliefs and pursuits to be filled with the truth of Christ.
VIII. Philippians 3:8 and Galatians 1:11-12: Embracing Christ’s Worth
This section uses Paul’s words in Philippians 3:8 and Galatians 1:11-12 to highlight the importance of:
- A. Recognizing the Superiority of Christ: Paul considered his former achievements as “rubbish” compared to knowing Christ.
- B. Emptying Ourselves of Worldly Values: We must let go of things that hinder our relationship with God to be filled with His truth.
- C. Receiving Divine Revelation: True transformation comes from accepting God’s revelation, not human teachings.
IX. 3. Two Types of Bowls: God’s Word vs. Satan’s Lies
This section contrasts two types of people, represented as bowls:
- A. God’s Bowl: Filled with God’s Word, overflowing with truth and goodness, impacting others positively.
- B. Satan’s Bowl: Filled with lies and deception, leading to spiritual emptiness and harm.
It emphasizes the need to be filled with God’s Word and to overflow with His truth, impacting others positively.
X. Jeremiah 48:11-12 and Matthew 23:25-26: Empty Bowls and Cleansing the Inside
This section explores:
- A. Jeremiah 48:11-12: The Worthless “Dregs”: The passage uses the image of “dregs” (leftover waste) to symbolize people who have become spiritually empty and useless, destined for judgment.
- B. Matthew 23:25-26: Cleansing the Inside: Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who focused on outward appearances while neglecting their inner condition, emphasizing the priority of inward purity.
XI. 4. How to Become a Noble Bowl: Cleansing Through the Word
This section focuses on the process of becoming a noble bowl through cleansing:
- A. 2 Timothy 2:20-21: Cleansing for Noble Purposes: The passage highlights the need to cleanse ourselves from ungodly influences to become vessels suitable for God’s purposes.
- B. John 15:3: Cleansing Through Jesus’ Words: Jesus’ words have the power to cleanse and purify us, making us holy.
XII. 5. Large Bowl: Church as a Collective Vessel
This section introduces the concept of the church as a large bowl containing many smaller bowls, representing the unity and interconnectedness of believers. It uses the analogy of:
- A. A Forest: Many trees gathered together, symbolizing the collective strength and beauty of the church.
- B. Matthew 13:47-50: The Net and the Basket: The parable of the net that gathers fish and separates the good from the bad illustrates the church’s role in gathering and preserving believers, separating them from the world’s corrupting influences.
XIII. 6. Spiritual Fasting: Abstaining from Satan’s Lies
This section distinguishes between physical and spiritual fasting:
- A. Physical Fasting: Abstaining from physical food and drink for spiritual purposes.
- B. Spiritual Fasting: Abstaining from sinful behaviors and attitudes that hinder our relationship with God.
It emphasizes the importance of spiritual fasting, using the following passages:
- C. Isaiah 58:4-6: True Fasting: God desires genuine repentance and acts of justice and mercy, not merely outward rituals.
- D. John 8:31-32: Freedom Through Truth: Jesus’ teachings set us free from the bondage of sin and deception, leading to spiritual fasting.
The section concludes by urging readers to identify and reject “Satan’s food” (lies and deceptions) and to embrace the truth of God’s Word.
XIV. Summary and Review
The final sections provide a concise summary and review of the key points, highlighting the importance of understanding the figurative meaning of the bowl, the process of becoming a noble vessel for God, and the need for spiritual fasting to purify our hearts and align ourselves with His truth.
A Study Guide
The Figurative Bowl in Scripture: A Study Guide
I. Key Concepts
- The Bowl as a Metaphor: Throughout Scripture, the bowl is used as a metaphor for a person, specifically their heart and its contents.
- God as the Potter: God is depicted as the Potter who molds and shapes individuals, transforming them from formless clay into vessels suitable for His purposes.
- The Refining Process: The process of becoming a “noble bowl” involves refinement through trials and tribulations, analogous to fire hardening clay.
- Noble vs. Common Use: God designates some vessels for noble purposes, filled with His Word and used for His glory, while others remain common, filled with worldly things.
- Spiritual Fasting: Spiritual fasting involves abstaining from harmful influences, thoughts, and behaviors, symbolized by rejecting “Satan’s food.”
II. Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
- What specific part of a person does the bowl symbolize in the biblical context?
- What is the significance of God being portrayed as the Potter in relation to the bowl metaphor?
- What role does the element of fire play in the creation of a usable bowl, and what does this represent spiritually?
- Explain the distinction between bowls intended for “noble” purposes and those for “common” use.
- What does it mean to be a “chosen vessel,” and how does the apostle Paul exemplify this concept?
- How does the parable of the net and the fish relate to the idea of the church as a large bowl?
- What is the primary difference between physical fasting and spiritual fasting?
- What is meant by “Satan’s food” in the context of spiritual fasting?
- According to Isaiah 58:6, what actions does God consider true fasting?
- How does the act of cleansing oneself, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:20-21, contribute to becoming a noble bowl?
III. Additional Questions
1. What is the true meaning of figurative bowl? What is the process of making a bowl?
– Person
– God (potter) —-> clay (dust) + water (Deuteronomy 32:2) + fire (Jeremiah 5:14) = bowl
2. What are the 2 types of bowls?
– God’s bowl with God’s food
– Satan’s bowl with Satan’s food
3. How to become a noble bowl?
– If oneself cleanses himself, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work
IV. Glossary of Key Terms
- Noble Bowl: A person whose heart is filled with God’s Word, cleansed by His grace, and used for His holy purposes.
- Common Bowl: A person focused on worldly things, lacking spiritual depth and purpose, susceptible to harmful influences.
- Potter: A metaphor for God, highlighting His role in shaping and molding individuals for His divine plan.
- Refinement: The process of purifying and strengthening a person’s faith and character through trials and tribulations.
- Spiritual Fasting: Abstaining from sinful thoughts, behaviors, and influences that hinder spiritual growth and closeness to God.
- Satan’s Food: A metaphor for harmful influences, lies, and temptations that oppose God’s truth and lead people astray.
- Chosen Vessel: A person selected by God for a specific purpose, often involving spreading the Gospel or serving others.
- Church (as a large bowl): A collective of believers unified in Christ, offering support, guidance, and a place of belonging.
- Dregs/Lees: Figurative language for the worthless remnants left behind after the valuable contents have been consumed, symbolic of spiritual emptiness.
V. Short Answer Quiz Answer Key
- The bowl symbolizes the heart of a person, representing their inner being and what fills it.
- God as the Potter signifies His authority and creative power in shaping and molding individuals according to His will, just as a potter forms clay.
- Fire represents the trials and tribulations that refine and strengthen believers, making them more resilient and steadfast in their faith.
- “Noble” bowls are set apart for holy purposes, filled with God’s Word, while “common” bowls remain focused on worldly things and lack spiritual significance.
- A “chosen vessel” is a person selected by God for a special task, like Paul, who transformed from persecuting Christians to passionately spreading the Gospel.
- The parable illustrates that the church gathers and protects believers (good fish) from the dangers of the world (the sea), providing a community of support and nourishment.
- Physical fasting involves abstaining from food and drink, while spiritual fasting focuses on abstaining from harmful thoughts, behaviors, and influences that distance us from God.
- “Satan’s food” represents lies, temptations, and negative influences that oppose God’s truth and hinder spiritual growth.
- True fasting, according to Isaiah, involves actively combating injustice, oppression, and wickedness, demonstrating genuine care for others.
- Cleansing oneself involves removing harmful influences and filling the heart with God’s Word, making one suitable for His noble purposes.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events Not Applicable
The lesson does not recount any specific historical events. Instead, it provides a metaphorical interpretation of biblical passages, using the image of a “bowl” to represent a person’s heart and spiritual state.
Cast of Characters
- Paul (formerly Saul): A key figure cited as an example of transformation. Initially, Saul was a zealous persecutor of Christians. However, after encountering Jesus, he became Paul, a devoted apostle who spread the Gospel. His life illustrates how even a person initially used for “ignoble” purposes can become a “noble bowl” through God’s grace.
- Jesus: Referred to as the source of truth and the one who sets people free from sin. His words are described as cleansing and life-giving. He also uses the parable of the net and fish (Matthew 13:47-50) to illustrate the separation of the righteous and the wicked at the end of the age.
- The Pharisees: Mentioned as a negative example. They are criticized for focusing on outward appearances of righteousness while inwardly being filled with greed and hypocrisy. Jesus confronts them, urging them to cleanse their hearts first.
- Ananias: A disciple who was instructed by God to go to Saul (who became Paul) after his conversion experience. This event highlights God’s ability to choose and use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His purposes.
- The Moabites: Used as an example of a group who had turned away from God and become like “worthless dregs.” This symbolizes the fate of those who reject God and fill themselves with things that have no lasting value.
Overview
Overview: Understanding the Figurative Bowl in the Bible
Main Theme: This lesson explores the biblical concept of the “bowl” as a metaphor for a person, specifically their heart, and how God shapes and uses them.
Key Ideas:
- Bowl as a Vessel: The bowl’s physical characteristics (holding, purpose defined by content, crafted by a potter) provide insights into its spiritual meaning. Just as a bowl contains something, a person’s heart holds their beliefs, values, and motivations. Romans 1:21 supports this: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
- God as the Potter: Isaiah 64:8 states: “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” God, the Potter, shapes us (the clay) into usable vessels through His Word (water) and refines us through trials (fire). This process is essential to become a “noble bowl” fit for holy purposes.
- Types of Bowls: There are two types of bowls, reflecting the choices people make:
- God’s Bowl: Filled with His Word, overflowing with goodness, impacting others positively.
- Satan’s Bowl: Filled with lies and deception, appearing appealing but ultimately harmful.
- Becoming a Noble Bowl: 2 Timothy 2:20-21 emphasizes the importance of cleansing oneself to become a “noble bowl”: “Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” This is achieved by filling oneself with God’s Word and rejecting Satan’s lies. John 15:3 reinforces this cleansing power: “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”
- The Church as a Large Bowl: Matthew 13:47-50 uses the metaphor of a net gathering fish to illustrate the church as a large bowl containing many smaller bowls (individuals). It emphasizes the importance of community and being part of a larger body of believers.
- Spiritual Fasting: Isaiah 58:4-6 contrasts true fasting with empty rituals. True fasting involves setting oneself free from injustice and oppression. This is connected to John 8:31-32: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Spiritual fasting involves rejecting Satan’s lies (food) and embracing God’s truth.
Quotes of Significance:
- “God is our Potter and we are the clay…Let us be the ones who remain the way that God wants to form us.”
- “Fire can serve two purposes. It can either refine or destroy…We should strive to be refined by God’s fire, which is His Word.”
- “God molds us for different purposes – common or noble. Our goal is to allow Him to shape us into noble vessels for holy use, not common vessels that face destruction.”
- “What does God really care about? What is He looking for? God cares about one’s heart…can I use this person to accomplish my mission?”
- “The inside is what matters.”
- “God’s true fasting is to be set free, set free from something that once held you in captivity.”
- “Spiritual fasting requires no longer eating [Satan’s food]. Let’s breathe in the things of God instead.”
Call to Action: The lesson urges individuals to examine their “bowls,” cleanse themselves with God’s Word, join a supportive church community, and practice spiritual fasting to become noble vessels ready for God’s use.
Q&A
Figurative Bowls in the Bible: Q&A
1. What does a bowl represent in the Bible?
A bowl symbolizes a person, specifically their heart. It represents an individual’s capacity to receive and hold something, highlighting the importance of inner qualities over outward appearances.
2. How does the process of making a physical bowl relate to our spiritual development?
The process of creating a bowl mirrors our spiritual formation. God, the Potter, uses His Word (water) to mold us (clay) into vessels for His purpose. Trials and tribulations act as fire, refining and strengthening us.
3. What are the two types of bowls described in the Bible?
The Bible describes two kinds of bowls:
- God’s bowl: Filled with His Word, truth, and goodness.
- Satan’s bowl: Filled with lies, deception, and harmful influences.
Our goal is to be God’s bowl, overflowing with His goodness and influencing others positively.
4. How can we become a “noble bowl” for God’s purposes?
We become noble bowls by:
- Cleansing ourselves: Regularly examining our hearts and repenting of sin.
- Filling ourselves with God’s Word: Studying Scripture, meditating on it, and applying its teachings to our lives.
- Allowing God to mold and refine us: Trusting in His process, even through difficult times.
5. What does the parable of the net and the fish (Matthew 13:47-50) teach about the church?
This parable illustrates the church as a gathering place for believers, separating them from the world’s negative influences. The church acts as a container (basket) where the “good fish” are collected and nurtured.
6. What is spiritual fasting, and how does it differ from physical fasting?
Spiritual fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink. It involves:
- Identifying and rejecting harmful influences: Recognizing Satan’s lies and refusing to consume them.
- Focusing on God’s truth: Replacing negative thoughts and behaviors with truth from Scripture.
This process allows us to break free from spiritual bondage and be filled with what truly nourishes us.
7. Why is the concept of a bowl being “filled” so important?
The contents of our “bowl” (heart) determine our value and usefulness to God. A heart full of God’s Word overflows with His love, truth, and power, impacting others positively. Conversely, a heart filled with negativity becomes stagnant and unproductive.
8. How can we apply the lessons from the “bowl” parable to our lives?
We can strive to:
- Be receptive to God’s molding: Humbly submitting to His Word and allowing Him to shape our hearts.
- Continually seek spiritual nourishment: Filling our minds with Scripture and seeking fellowship with other believers.
- Become vessels of God’s goodness: Overflowing with His love and impacting others positively through our words and actions.