Episode notes
We are God's vessels
In 2 Corinthians 4 Paul gave a bleak picture of what had happened to him. His astonishing litany of trials and tribulations proved that he carried in his body "the dying of the Lord Jesus"; but he did this in the hope that "the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body" (v. 10). Paul had been through great suffering for the cause of Christ. What was his secret for maintaining his courageous ministry for the sake of the gospel?
The secret is found in verse 7. Paul had a
"treasure in earthen vessels." Some translations render this "jars of clay." These vessels were fragile and expendable containers but incredibly useful. They often served as a metaphor for human weakness (Ps. 31:12; Is. 30:14). Paul viewed himselt as nothing more than a fragile vessel that contained a great treasure. His earthly life was expendable, like a clay pot. But what was that treasure he was carrying?
God had commanded light to shine out of darkness, and this light was "the knowledge
STUDY THE BOOK
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ"
(2 Cor. 4:6). This was the treasure inside of Paul that made all his suffering worthwhile.
God places this treasure in every believer. Do you think of your earthly life as an expendable earthen vessel, dedicated to carrying and distributing the treasure of the gospel?
MORE INSIGHT
Other scriptures that describe times when the glory of God was, is, or will be revealed:
- Matthew 24:30: at the return of Jesus
- John 11:40: through the resurrection of the dead
- 2 Corinthians 3:18: in the transformation of Christians
- Hebrews 1:3: through Jesus
- Revelation 21:23: in heaven
previous: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
next: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18