[:en]TERASURES IN JARS OF CLAY (vs. 1-18)
Preachers and teachers of God’s word must not use deception nor distort the Word of God. They must proclaim the Word in truth. Satan, the god of this evil world is deceiving and blinding those who do not believe in Christ so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. As believers, our preaching must focus on Christ not on ourselves. We should tell about what God has done and not of our own abilites or accomplishments. We should reveal His light shinning out of darkness and show the all-surpassing power that is from God and not from us.
Paul reminded us that we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (vs. 8-9). Our perishable body is subject to sin and suffering but Jesus has won the victory over death. Our trials are opportunites for Christ to demonstrate His power and presence in and through us.
We must not lose heart when we face troubles. We must not focus on pain but rather on the reward for our faith and joy of eternal life. Despite of terrible illness, persecutions, sufferings or trials, we have out utmost hope that there is life after death. And we will live forever with God in eternal glory. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal” (vs. 18)
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