2 Corinthians 4:7-15
7 But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed;
10 always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
11 For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.
12 So death works in us, but life in you.
13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak,
14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and will present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, so that grace, having spread to more and more people, will cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Earthen Vessel filled with Treasure
Paul the earthen vessel
In the previous passage, Paul explained that the apostolic ministry is a ministry filled with glory. In today’s passage, he speaks of how weak he actually is. (1) The servants of the Lord are, so to speak, “earthen vessels.” The background of this expression is the creation account in which man was formed from the dust of the ground. Compared with costly vessels made of gold, silver, or glass, earthen vessels are indeed very fragile. In fact, Paul’s opponents were saying that Paul was unimpressive and unfit to be an apostle (ref. 10:10). (2) However, within that earthen vessel is a treasure (the gospel). That treasure shines forth through the vessel. (3) It is a wonder that a fragile earthen vessel should shine, but in that very fact lies the evidence that the power of God, which surpasses human power, is at work.
Paul’s experience
Reading about Paul’s own experiences from verse 8 and onward is very encouraging. (1) As an earthen vessel, he experiences affliction. Yet he says that he is not crushed or despairing. (2) He is persecuted, but he says that he is not abandoned. (3) He says that he may be struck down, but he is not destroyed. (4) He carries about in his body the dying of Jesus (suffering), but he says that this becomes an opportunity for the life of Jesus to be revealed. (5) The reason he labors in this way is to bless the Christians in Corinth and to bring them the life of Christ. (6) He says that no matter how difficult the path may be, because he believes the gospel and has the hope of resurrection, he cannot help but speak. “I believed, therefore I spoke” is a quotation from Psalm 116:10. The writer of this psalm confesses that even if speaking brings suffering upon himself, he cannot help but speak because he believes. Paul was in the same state of mind. Paul’s ultimate desire is stated in verse 15: that through the efforts of evangelism, many people would be saved, thanksgiving to God would overflow, and as a result, the glory of God would be revealed. This was the goal of Paul’s life. Today, let us walk with the blessing of our neighbors and the glory of God in mind.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, may the glory of Christ shine forth from within me, an earthen vessel. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.