Sunday Sermon | God’s Method in Ministry | 2 Corinthians | Part 7

Please join us as Pastor Patrick Joyner continues the series on 2 Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 4:7-15. In verses 7-15, we see the challenge of being depleted as the Corinthians give their lives to Christ and the challenges that occur in a normal gospel ministry.

In gospel ministry, the minister is in the background as the servant, proclaiming Jesus Christ. The point isn’t simply that humanity is diminished in the glory of Christ but that the gospel not only does in fact glorify Christ but also simultaneously intentionally deals with the pride and conceit of man.

The gospel is accentuated in this sinful earth by placing it in something so mundane - a common earthen vessel. The treasure inside is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.

Why clay pots? Because the surpassing value belongs to God, not to us. He is the one with power and glory. Humans have trouble wholly exalting another but the reality is that biblical servanthood is about directing attention to God. We are not to accentuate the clay pot; we are to accentuate Christ.

Giving faithfully, in gospel labor, will always physically deplete the giver to some extent. Gospel ministry is not about personal gain but His glory.