SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 4
MEMORY VERSE:
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY (vs. 1-12)
Through God’s mercy, Paul and his companions did not lose heart. They had renounced secret and shameful ways. They did not use deception or distorted the word of God. Instead they told the gospel and truth. But Satan (the god of all evils in this world) had blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they could not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. They preached Jesus Christ as Lord and were servants for Jesus’ sake. God had given them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ to shine in their hearts.
They had the treasure in jars of clay to show that the all-surpassing power came from God. They were hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. They had carried around in their bodies the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in their body. All of us who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
PUAL’S ENCOURAGING WORDS TO THE CORINTHIAN BELIVERERS: (vs. 13-18)
We know that the one who raises us with Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
THOUGHTS:
The treasure of jars of clay comprised the all surpassing power of God:
- Hard pressed on every side but not crushed.
- Perplexed, but not in despair..
- Persecuted, but not abandoned.
- Struck down, but not destroyed.
- Death of Jesus but resurrected life of Jesus.
Paul willingly served the Corinthian church even if they did not measure up to his expectations. Paul focused not on the perishable container but on its priceless contents of God’s power. God uses us to spread his Good news by providing us power to do his work.
Sometimes, we may think we are at the end of rope, but we should always remember that God is our hope and he never abandons us . Christ has won the victory over death so we have eternal life. Our risks, humiliations, and trials are opportunities for God to demonstrate his power and presence in us and through us.
Paul faced sufferings, trials and distress when he preached the Good news. But he knew that it would soon be over and he would obtain God’s rest and rewards. When we face tribulations, we should focus on the reward for our faith and the joy that lasts forever. The assurance of eternal life will end our sufferings and sorrows.
As you serve the Lord, sometimes you will lose heart and want to quit. You should ask the Holy Spirit to give you the inner strength to sustain and renew your commitment to serve Him. Do not forsake your eternal reward because of criticism, pain or hardship.
Why does God allow us to suffer?
- Sufferings remind us of Christ’s suffering for us.
- Sufferings keep us from pride.
- Sufferings cause us to look beyond this temporary life
- Sufferings give God the opportunity to demonstrate his power.