Avondale Church of God Winter Revival,
January 19, 2025 – Morning Service
Speaker: Brother Dwayne Platt
On the final Sunday morning of the Avondale Church of God Winter Revival, Brother Dwayne Platt delivered a solemn and convicting message on the necessity of being a vessel of honor in God’s house. With 2 Timothy 2:20-21 as his foundational text, he spoke of the different kinds of vessels within a great house—some of gold and silver, others of wood and earth, some to honor, and some to dishonor. The distinction, he explained, was not in their initial state but in their willingness to be purged and sanctified for God’s use.
Platt drew attention to the personal responsibility in this transformation, emphasizing that God will not force sanctification upon anyone. Rather, the call is for every believer to recognize their need for cleansing and submit to God’s refining work. Many settle for being common, earthen vessels, content to merely exist in the household of faith without ever stepping into the full purpose for which God created them. However, those who desire to be used by the Master must allow Him to cleanse them entirely, removing anything that hinders a life of holiness and consecration.
He spoke plainly about the deception that often keeps people from surrendering to sanctification. Some rely on their religious routine—attending services, singing hymns, or even being raised in a godly home—yet never truly yield to the work of God in their hearts. Others believe they can manage a double life, maintaining an appearance of righteousness while secretly holding on to things that defile. But Platt warned that partial surrender is not surrender at all. God does not merely want cleaned-up versions of our old selves—He wants a new creation, fully purged and prepared for every good work.
The Process of Purging: A Personal and Necessary Work
The concept of purging became a central theme as Platt explained that sanctification is not a passive experience but an intentional separation from anything that contaminates the heart. Many believers desire the benefits of being near God but shy away from the refining process required to be fully His. He likened it to refining gold—where intense heat is necessary to remove impurities. “Gold does not refine itself,” he said. “It must be placed into the fire and allowed to be purified.”
Platt shared a personal reflection from his early years before salvation, describing how he once believed that his intelligence and ability to reason through problems would be enough to guide him through life. He thought that as long as he made good decisions and avoided overt sin, he was in good standing. But over time, he realized that without God’s full work in his life, he was merely operating on human strength, not divine transformation. He warned against trusting in personal willpower to overcome sin, explaining that true holiness is only possible when God performs the deep work of purging the heart.
He also spoke of the spiritual dangers of misplaced priorities, urging the congregation to examine where they invested their time and energy. Some dedicate themselves to building their careers, growing their reputations, or maintaining their physical strength, yet they neglect the eternal condition of their soul. A man can be strong, a woman can be successful, but if their hearts remain unsanctified, they are merely well-adorned earthen vessels—common and of little use in God’s great house.
The Testimony of a Praying Mother and the Influence of the Godly
In a heartfelt moment, Platt reflected on the power of a praying mother and how the prayers of godly people had played a critical role in his own life. He recounted how, during his time of rebellion, his mother never stopped interceding for him, pleading with God to bring conviction to his heart. She didn’t just speak words of correction—she prayed, fasted, and stood in the gap for his soul.
Addressing the young people in the congregation, Platt emphasized the importance of appreciating godly influences in their lives. Many children and teenagers grow up under the protection of their parents’ faith, taking for granted the prayers and spiritual covering they receive. But he urged them not to ignore these blessings, as they may one day realize that the only thing keeping them from destruction was the unseen prayers of a mother, father, or faithful saint.
Turning his focus back to the congregation as a whole, he stressed that even those who do not have a godly heritage can be the beginning of one. Sanctification is not just for personal benefit—it is for the generations to come. A home built on holiness creates a lasting spiritual legacy, ensuring that future children and grandchildren are raised in an atmosphere where God’s presence is not just talked about, but truly lived.
Breaking Free from the “Default Mode” of the Carnal Heart
One of the most impactful illustrations of the sermon came when Platt described the concept of a “default mode”—the natural state of the human heart before full sanctification. He explained that before coming to Christ, every individual operates with a sinful default, whether it be pride, fear, self-righteousness, or worldliness. This “default” becomes a pattern of behavior that dictates how a person reacts to trials, temptation, and correction.
Platt compared this to a computer bogged down with unnecessary files and corrupted data. Sometimes, he said, the only solution is a complete reset—a return to the original design. In the same way, God does not simply remove a few sinful habits and leave the rest unchanged. He offers complete sanctification, allowing the believer to operate not in their old patterns but in the power of the Holy Ghost.
He cited Hebrews 10:14, reminding the congregation that through Christ’s sacrifice, He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. This is not a work that man can achieve through effort or self-improvement. It is a divine transformation that comes only when one fully surrenders to the will of God.
The Power of Sanctification: More Than a Conqueror
Platt then turned to the role of sanctification in spiritual victory, explaining that many believers live in a constant state of struggle because they have never allowed God to perform a complete work in them. He admitted that when he was first saved, he found forgiveness—but he had not yet received the full power to overcome sin and fear. It was only after sanctification that he experienced boldness, spiritual stability, and an unshakable joy.
Quoting Acts 1:8, he underscored the need for the power of the Holy Ghost in a believer’s life. Many desire victory over sin, but they attempt to fight spiritual battles with their own strength. Sanctification, however, fills a person with divine power, making them more than conquerors through Christ.
He warned that joy should not be dependent on circumstances. If trials, disappointments, or offenses can easily rob a person of their joy, then their heart has not yet been fully surrendered to God’s keeping. A sanctified life is marked by a joy that remains, regardless of external situations.
Exhortation: Brother Ward’s Closing Encouragement
Following the sermon, Brother Ward gave a brief but earnest exhortation, encouraging the congregation to respond to the call of sanctification. He reminded them that being useful to God is the greatest privilege a person can have and that no one should settle for being a vessel of dishonor.
With revival coming to a close, he urged those who felt conviction to take action immediately. “If God is stirring your heart this morning, don’t push it away,” he said. “Say ‘Yes’ to Him. He’s ready to take you further than you ever imagined.”
Reflection Questions for Personal Application
What kind of vessel are you—one of honor or dishonor?
Have you allowed God to fully purge you of anything that hinders His work?
What “default modes” still try to pull you back into old patterns?
Have you experienced the power of sanctification in your life?
Scriptures for Further Study
2 Timothy 2:20-21 – Vessels of honor and dishonor
Hebrews 10:14 – The work of sanctification
Acts 1:8 – Power through the Holy Ghost
Joshua 7:13 – The call to sanctification
Conclusion
Brother Platt’s message was a call to deeper consecration, urging every believer to move beyond mere salvation and embrace the fullness of God’s refining work. As revival continued, the challenge was clear: Will you allow God to purge you, sanctify you, and prepare you as a vessel unto honor?
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