2 Corinthians 4:7-12

                                                                         2 Corinthians 4:7-12

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So death is at work in us, but life in you.

 

The transformational ministry of the Gospel of Christ is accomplished by the power of God through the weakness of men.  It is an honor to be used of God in such an amazing way, but we must never be confused about what is really happening.  The moment we begin to think that we are the ones accomplishing things, we rob God of His glory and we set ourselves up for failure.

 

WE ARE DEPENDENT ON GOD’S POWER: The Gospel is a priceless treasure whose value is beyond measure.  However, this blessed gift of God is stored in the “jars of clay” called believers.  We are frail, simple, weak and vulnerable.  It is the power of God that allows us to accomplish anything for the sake of the Gospel.  We are dependent upon God’s power to be saved from sin.  We are dependent upon God’s power to be used as instruments of the Gospel in the lives of others.  It seems hard to believe that such a precious treasure would be entrusted to such weak vessels, but that is what brings God the most glory.

 

WE ARE PROTECTED BY GOD’S POWER: Our own weaknesses as well as the fallen world we are striving to reach make the task of proclaiming the Gospel a difficult one.  However, the power of God that is at work in and through us make it a possible one.  Ministry can bring affliction, be perplexing, invite persecution and even cause us to be struck down.  These are all indications of our weakness along with the fallen nature of the world we are called to reach.  However, in the midst of this weakness and brokenness, the power of God is at work in our lives to protect us from that which would overwhelm and to empower us to be useful in His kingdom.

 

WE ARE REVEALERS OF GOD’S POWER: Wherever we go, we represent the crucified, as well as the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.  We are, at the same time, representatives of the suffering of His death and the victory of His resurrection.  When we, as “jars of clay,” are used to proclaim the Gospel and see lives changing, it is clear that this miraculous work can only be done by the power of God.  All the glory belongs to Him because all the power comes from Him.  As we proclaim the Gospel, we not only reveal Him through our words, but we reveal Him through the fact that we are giving our lives to such a cause at all.

 

APPLICATION: Do not be discouraged by our own weaknesses.  It is actually because of our weakness that we are usable to Him at all.  We must never forget that we are weak and utterly dependent upon Him.  When life becomes difficult because of our weakness or the fallen world we serve; do not despair, trust and rest in the power of God.  Always remember that our purpose is to reveal the power of glory of God; not our own.

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