“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
At first glance, this verse is exciting— I remember when I first had revelation of what it meant to have “this treasure” within us. I was thrilled at the thought of “Christ in me, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)! And I believed and agreed 100% that it was proof “to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us” (MSG).
But one thing Paul was noting here is where this treasure lives— “in earthen vessels,” “unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives,” ”common clay jars,” ”frail, human vessels of earth.” All of these translations make it very clear that this dirt suit we run around in every day is, let’s say, breakable.
I’m not talking about breaking a leg (which I’ve done). I’m referring to the fragile essence of our humanity without God. Let’s be honest— life can disappoint.
BUT (say that out loud with me)…
But this is why Paul went on to amplify the posture we must make note of and abide in, because of the treasure of CHRIST IN US:
- (AMP) We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;
- (NLT) We are pressed on every side by troubles but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
- (TPT) Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out.
- (NKJV) We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
C’MON SOMEBODY!
This is truth! And THIS is what we have to mediate on when we are feeling the frailty of our humanity. The devil would like you and I to focus on our frailty (and sadly, many Christians do this not realizing the trap). But notice what the scripture emphasizes: ”But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, THAT the excellence of the POWER may be of God and not of us.”
In other words, these hard times are small potatoes compared with what lies on the inside of us! And THAT is what God wants us to tap into every day. Yes, it’s true that HE gets all the glory but that’s also the point. It’s no secret we are prone to struggle in and of ourselves, but we aren’t alone and shouldn’t live as if we are.
The treasure we carry actually carries us!
When I’m feeling hard-pressed on every side, I remind myself I am not (nor can I be) crushed because greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. When I’m perplexed, puzzled, and baffled at situations, I remind myself I am not in despair because I have the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit as my guide. When I feel persecuted, I remind myself that I am not forsaken or forgotten because God promised never to leave or forsake me! And when it feels (and I stress the word “feels”) like I am struck down and defeated, once again, I remind myself the righteous may fall seven times but they get up again, and again, and again! The devil CANNOT destroy God’s workmanship (you and me).
Do you see how this works?
You have to put yourself in remembrance of these truths. You have to meditate on them. And if you really want a quick victory, you have to state these things— declaring God’s truth out loud, putting His Word in your mouth. This is why Paul, just a few verses later, said, ”And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ’I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13).
It’s true. Life isn’t a cake walk. But that shouldn’t be our focus. Choose today to look within at the abiding presence of CHRIST IN YOU— it’s such a treasure.
