A TREASURE IN JARS OF CLAY
Key verse: 7
NIV
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay(A) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God(B) and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side,(C) but not crushed; perplexed,(D) but not in despair; 9 persecuted,(E) but not abandoned;(F) struck down, but not destroyed.(G) 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,(H) so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.(I) 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake,(J) so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.(K)
Cross references
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 : Job 4:19; Isa 64:8; 2Ti 2:20
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 : Jdg 7:2; 1Co 2:5; 2Co 6:7
- 2 Corinthians 4:8 : 2Co 7:5
- 2 Corinthians 4:8 : Gal 4:20
- 2 Corinthians 4:9 : Jn 15:20; Ro 8:35
- 2 Corinthians 4:9 : Heb 13:5
- 2 Corinthians 4:9 : Ps 37:24; Pr 24:16
- 2 Corinthians 4:10 : S Ro 6:6; S 2Co 1:5
- 2 Corinthians 4:10 : S Ro 6:5
- 2 Corinthians 4:11 : Ro 8:36
- 2 Corinthians 4:12 : 2Co 13:9
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
Treasure in Jars of Clay
7 But we have this treasure in (A)jars of clay, (B)to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are (C)afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but (D)not forsaken; (E)struck down, but not destroyed; 10 (F)always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, (G)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 (H)death is at work in us, but life in you.
Read full chapterCross references
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 : 2 Tim. 2:20; [ch. 5:1; Job 10:9; 13:12; Lam. 4:2; 1 Thess. 4:4; 1 Pet. 3:7]
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 : 1 Cor. 2:5; [Judg. 7:2]
- 2 Corinthians 4:8 : ch. 7:5; [Ps. 129:2]
- 2 Corinthians 4:9 : Heb. 13:5; [Deut. 4:31]
- 2 Corinthians 4:9 : Ps. 37:24; Prov. 24:16; Mic. 7:8
- 2 Corinthians 4:10 : ch. 6:9; 1 Cor. 4:9; 15:31; [ch. 1:5, 9; Rom. 6:5; 8:36]
- 2 Corinthians 4:10 : 2 Tim. 2:11; [Rom. 5:10; 6:8]
- 2 Corinthians 4:12 : [ch. 13:9]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Jars of clay (7-9)
God made us from the dust of the ground and breathed into us the breath of life. We are like jars of clay. But when God's Spirit fills us, we are alive and beautiful. God's Spirit gives us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. We cannot boast of any power or virtue in ourselves, but because Jesus dwells within, we are not crushed nor do we despair when we are misunderstood or persecuted or struck down.
2. Always carrying around the death of Jesus (1
-12)
Jesus' people love Jesus' cross. It is his death on the cross that sets us free from the power of sin. The Spirit of God applies the blood to our hearts and lives. We die with him daily, so that his life may be revealed in us, and the gospel shared with others.
Prayer: Lord, fill this jar of clay with your own Presence. Help me to love your cross, and die daily to myself.
One Word: The treasure in earthen vessels
