Sermon - Jeff Raines - Treasures in Jars of Clay [2 Corinthians 4]

Today we’re looking at a letter from Paul to the church in Corinth.  The Corinthian church was like a rebellious teenager- they thought they knew it all and that Paul wasn’t measuring up.  Corinth was a thriving metropolis and they thought highly of themselves.  They were very superficial- just like us.  We judge people for their looks and what they have.  We are image obsessed.  

It’s easy to lose heart and be discouraged, but Paul sets out his hope in these passages.  What drives Paul is not the approval of the Corinthian people - it’s the message of the Gospel he brings.  

“But we have these treasures in jars of clay…” 

It’s not important for Paul to look important.  We are simply clay pots- chipped and broken- it’s what’s on the inside that counts.  Our jar is our body and soul and the treasure is the Spirit of God within us.  

This is a great reminder for us that:

1.  We don’t have to be perfect
2. We have strength in our weakness 

Jesus faced opposition in life and Paul did as well, so we can expect it.  But we can look to that treasure in our life for strength.  Paul was able to look back and realize that he was pressed and distressed, but not destroyed even though it may have felt like it at the time.  Maybe you’re in the middle of it and “perplexed” and “distressed” really captures how you feel right now.  If you’re asking God why, this passage can remind us that difficulty doesn’t mean that we’re on the wrong track.  Don’t give up.  Don’t lose heart.  In fact, the things you pass through now, God can redeem and use later on.  

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’…” 2 Corinthians 12:19