Reading: II Corinthians 1-4
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body(II Cor. 4:7-10).
The earthen vessels (clay pots) to which Paul refers here were of very little intrinsic value. Their worth was determined by what they contained. When empty or filled with waste, they were carelessly discarded, but when filled with costly oils or used as a storage place for gold and silver, they were highly prized. As Paul attempts to explain to the Corinthians the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in relation to the imperfect heart of man, he compares the true believer to such a vessel. He explains how our worth is not found in our human ‘shell,’ which is inherently flawed and easily broken, but is instead measured by the glory of Christ that emanates from us (Col. 1:27). We are infinitely precious to God, not because of the simple form which He has given us, but because within each of us, He has placed a part of Himself (I Cor. 3:16). And it is through that life-giving spark that He has chosen to share His Word with the rest of mankind.
Even as Paul reveals this glorious truth, he hastens to remind us of the realities of the fallen world in which we live. We can expect to be troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down. Scripture reveals to us that trials and troubles, in whatever form, are necessary for every Christian's spiritual growth; without them, we would not exercise our faith to develop spiritual insight and strength (Acts 14:22; I Pet. 1:6-7). Instead of being angry and discouraged as we face our worldly problems, we are urged to join ourselves with Christ. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matt. 11:29). In this way, we will be able to face trials and suffering with the confidence that our Lord is in complete control. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (I Pet. 4:12-13).
If we attempt to face these troubles on our own, we will crumble, much like an empty clay pot that has been crushed under a great weight. Yet if we trust in the power that is of God, we will stand – without distress or despair, comforted by the knowledge that we have not been forsaken and we will never be destroyed. Alone, we are defenseless, but with God, we are triumphant. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4).
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal(II Cor. 4:17-18).
Thought For TodayWe don’t have to wait to be struck by the world to know if God’s power has reinforced us; we know it has by the fact that we have no fear of the blow.
Word Studies2:5 not overcharge = not overstate the case or be too severe; 2:9 know the proof of you = test your loyalty; 2:14 savour = satisfaction, sweetness, like a lovely fragrance; 3:10 even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth = what was glorious (Law given to Moses) has no glory in comparison to the surpassing glory of Jesus Christ; 4:15 redound = abound, overflow, result in abundance.
Cross Reference:For II Cor. 3:13: See Ex. 34:33-35. II Cor. 4:13: See Ps. 116:10.
Pray For Staff:Tifany Parisi • Government Official: Sen. Michael Bennet (CO) • Country: Japan (127,103,388) Eastern Asia • Major Language: Japanese • Religious Freedom • 83.9% Shintoism; 71.4% Buddhism (Exceeds 100%, many belong to both); 2% Christian; 7.8% Other • Prayer Suggestion: When you pray, be brief and pray from your heart (Eccl. 5:2).