 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Treasure in Jars of Clay 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 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. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Meditation The surpassing power of God is displayed through the brokenness of His servants. Consider Gideon’s battle against the army of Midian “gathered like locusts,” a victory accomplished with 300 soldiers, trumpets, and torches hidden inside of clay jars (Judges 7). The trumpets blew, jars were smashed, light shown, and voices heard. The Lord’s victory through Gideon is legendary. Paul’s ministry is a gift of mercy (1), built firmly on the word of God (2) and boldly proclaiming the gospel of God (3-4). Paul’s proclamation celebrates knowing Jesus personally and is described as light (5-6) shown first in his heart before flowing through his lips and life. Paul’s life is a jar of clay, where the treasure of the Light is stored (7). The surpassing power belonging to God comes through being broken like jars of clay in service to our Savior. Like Gideon’s victory, God’s servants must be broken clay jars for gospel light to shine through our lives. Difficult circumstances afflict, perplex, persecute, and strike down as we carry in our bodies the death of Jesus so “the light of Jesus may be manifest (or shine) in our bodies” (8-10). Christians die so others can live, being broken so Jesus can work through us to bring healing and wholeness (11-15). God’s servants must not lose heart (16). Though outwardly being broken, inwardly we are renewed day by day through the light and love of Jesus (17). Our temporary brokenness cannot be compared to the eternal glory waiting, the full victory of God. Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you about how God wants to shine the light of His gospel through the life and leadership of His servants, specifically the brokenness of Paul’s service? -Where do we look to display the “surpassing power of God” outside of our brokenness? How does the message of Gideon’s victory and method of Paul’s ministry explode the paradigm? -Where can you grow in vulnerability as God’s servant, allowing yourself to be broken so the light and love of Jesus can shine through your lips and life? Be specific. Key Verses 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. Comments are closed.
|