READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, urging fellow workers to soldier on despite the challenges they faced. The Church was a divided, ill-disciplined and quarrelsome church but Paul encouraged these workers with 2 Cor. 4:7-12. The same verses are applicable to us today as they remind us that God has placed in each of us a treasure which will see us through life’s journey.
1. Meaning of metaphor “jars of clay”
A “jar of clay” describes each member of the human race. We are made of dust (Gen. 2:7) and we will return to dust (Gen. 3:19). Like pottery, we are fragile and easily broken. Many of us have experienced affliction in body and in spirit, in the form of broken dreams, ambitions, hearts and bodies. Some have been driven to despair that is so deep that they have taken their lives. But this is not the solution. Christians and even full-time church workers are not exempt from being crushed and discouraged. But God is still on the throne and He has not left us in a state of hopelessness. He has placed in each of us a treasure.
2. God has placed a treasure in these “jars of clay”
The Greek word for “treasure” (vs.7) is thesaurus, which means “storehouse of wealth”. God has placed this treasure in us to makes us into who He wants us to be. The Greek word skeuos means vessel or jar while ostrakinos means earthen. Such earthen vessels are cheap pots used for holding garbage or even human waste. Why would anyone put a treasure in such a pot? The word “treasure” is in singular form as it refers to a Person – our Lord Jesus Christ. “… it is only the living Christ within who keeps us safe”. 2 Cor. 4:10 (TLB). The treasure is therefore Christ who lives in us. Our life mirrors Christ’s. As He suffered, so also will we. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). The presence of Jesus in our lives makes a total difference to how we live. But do we value this treasure? Or is there a competitor? Satan distracts us with other temporary treasures (Luke 4:5-8). Some have succumbed and bowed down to worldly power and wealth. They discover that there is no end to wanting more. We can be in danger of losing the real treasure.
3. The treasure in you can transform you
God is at work to change us and those around will be able to see the transformation. In order to be transformed, we need to:
- Believe in this treasure in us. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, He becomes the Treasure in our lives.
- Believe in the power of the Treasure. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to be transformed. This is a surpassing power, an excellent and abundant power.
- Claim the power of transformation for myself. Faith unlocks this Treasure. Have we experienced His power?
Kintsugi is a Japanese art form of creating art pieces from broken pottery. The pieces of broken pottery are glued together and the cracks are filled with gold, silver or other precious material. These exquisite pots are highly valued. Indeed, broken does not mean useless. We may be broken but we can be transformed by God into a beautiful art piece for His glory. May we testify of Jesus’s life in our lives, to bless and encourage others to His glory.
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- How does the metaphor “jars of clay” describe you?
- How precious is this Treasure to you?
- What is your experience of God’s surpassing power?
