Resource Detail

TREASURE IN JARS OF CLAY

2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Key Verse 7

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

1. What attitude did Paul have when he carried out the ministry of the new covenant? (1, 3:7-11) What elements are gospel workers vulnerable to, and what decision did Paul make to overcome these things? (2) What do you learn here from Paul's attitude?
2. When the gospel is preached plainly, why do some people not receive it (3-4, Jn 3:19-20)? Why did Paul use the expression "the light of the gospel"? (Jn 8:12) What was the content of Paul's message? (5) When we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, how does God work in those who accept Christ? (6)
3. What metaphor did Paul use to describe the relationship between the gospel and himself as a minister? (7) What does it mean that we have this treasure in jars of clay? Why did God put this treasure in jars of clay?
4. How did Paul's practical life illustrate the truth of treasure in jars of clay? (8-9) Why did Paul always carry around in his body the death of Jesus? (10-12) Through it all, how was his life victorious? What was his secret?
5. What was Paul's certainty as he lived this kind of life? (13-14) Who benefited from Paul's way of life, and with what result? (15)
6. In light of this passage what attitude should we have as gospel workers? (16) What hope enabled him to do this? (17) So, what should we do and why? (18)

The Treasure in Jars of Clay

2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Key Verse 4:7

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Good morning! We have been blessed to study the book of Acts last year and to study the book of Nehemiah this year. I am truly grateful for Pastor Juan Seo who faithfully delivers Sunday messages each week. Through those studies, it is inspiring to see the lives of Paul and Nehemiah. We have learned so much from their faith and how they handled problems and challenges In their lives. They encourage and teach us how to rebuild broken walls in our lives. They were great men of God, but all things were made possible because God was with them.

When Pastor Juan Seo asked me to deliver the Sunday message today, I wasn’t sure which passage to choose. However, as I prayed, God inspired me with this passage, 2 Corinthians 4:1-18. Since the end of last year, many of our coworkers have faced accidents, hospitalizations, and health struggles and I am not an exception. Paul reminds us that we are like fragile jars of clay, but we are not defined by our fragility, but by the treasure within us. My prayer is that we may understand what it means to carry this treasure in jars of clay and how to live a victorious life despite the hardships and troubles we face in this world.

I.  The Privilege of Ministry (1-6)

Look at verse 1, ¹ Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. The word “Therefore” points back to Paul’s discussion of the new covenant in the previous chapter (2 Corinthians 3:6-18). Paul contrasts the old covenant, given through Moses, with the new covenant of grace, which far surpasses the glory of old. When Moses received the covenant law at Mount Sinai, his face glowed with glory because he had spoken with God. When the Israelites saw Moses, they were afraid to approach him, and so Moses had to veil his face (Exodus 34:29-33). The Israelites held the Law of Moses in high regard. However, Paul explains that the ministry of the new covenant is far more glorious than the ministry of the old covenant because this is the ministry of the Spirit, not of mere written code; it brings righteousness and life, not condemnation; it comes with glory that lasts, not with transitory glory (2 Corinthians 3:7-11).

How did Paul have this ministry? It is “through God’s mercy.” Paul’s calling to the ministry was entirely based on God’s mercy, as Paul was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. He had imprisoned and even killed Christians. The phrase “through God’s mercy” is very crucial when considering our own calling to ministry. It reminds us that our calling is not based on personal merit, education, or social status, but on God’s mercy alone. At one point in my life, I questioned my qualification to serve in the ministry of God. I felt like I was lacking many things to serve the ministry. However, I read a book that said our qualification is God’s calling. I deeply agree with this because it was the same for Jesus’ disciples. What matters is not our human qualifications but how we respond to God’s calling. When we respond to His calling with humility and a grateful heart, that is the qualification. The real courage comes from realizing that only through God’s mercy do we have the ministry of God.

Look at verse 2, ² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. Paul boldly presented the gospel without compromise. He was never ashamed of the gospel because he knew it was the power of God that brings salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).

Serving in ministry, especially campus ministry, is challenging. We have to consider the cultures and traits of different generations, and the trends of the world which change quickly. Should we alter the gospel message to fit these trends? It’s important to understand the generation we serve, but we must never forget that the gospel itself has the power to save anyone who believes. While generations and cultures change, the fundamental human problem—sin—remains the same. In the same way, the gospel works for all people who believe. 

The gospel is good news for all people, but ironically, most people in the world reject the gospel. Is there any problem with the gospel? Look at verses 3-4, ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. It is because the ‘god of this age’ has blinded the minds of unbelievers. This refers to Satan, who influences the world’s systems of philosophy, education, and ethics. The gospel is not the problem; rather, the minds of unbelievers are blinded by these systems. However, God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, has made His light shine in our hearts, revealing the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ (verse 6). For those who repent and believe, the gospel brings freedom from sin and death and transforms us into the image of Christ.

It is a great privilege for us to know Jesus Christ and to serve the ministry of the gospel. In God’s mercy, He called me to serve the ministry of God. It has not always been a smooth journey, often filled with challenges and obstacles. However, I am always encouraged when I remember the grace of Jesus Christ. I grew up in a small village. It was supposed to be quiet and peaceful, but it was not. My father was drunk almost every day, and he became argumentative and violent. One of my wishes in childhood was to be away from my family and have a peaceful life. I blamed my father for all the trouble I had in my life. I had a dream, not as big as Martin Luther King Jr.’s, but the dream of establishing a harmonious and peaceful family. I thought that was enough to live a happy life. I was selfish and full of petty desires of this world. However, only by God’s mercy, He has shone the light of life and the joy of salvation in Jesus Christ. Also, I had never wanted to be a missionary, but God opened my heart to respond to His calling to be a missionary when I was a sophomore in college. He called me to serve in campus ministry and He has called me to serve in children’s ministry in NY since 2009.

While serving in the ministry, sometimes I was disappointed, sometimes I was hurt, and sometimes I was upset. I have been through ups and downs, but God has sustained me and helped me remain faithful to His calling. When I was a letter carrier, a labor-intensive job, I couldn’t participate in the ministry actively. However, graciously, God provided me with a suitable job as a school nurse. Even though the school pays less than the hospital, it is the perfect job for me to serve the ministry of God. I am thankful to Msn. Jackie, who didn’t push me to make more money but always encourages me to serve the ministry of God faithfully as a good steward. It is only by God’s grace that I was able to participate in the ministry of God. It is a great privilege. I can never give thanks to God enough for what He has done in my life. I praise God for His great mercy.

2.  The Treasure in Jars of Clay (7-12) 

Look at verse 7, ⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. Paul reminds us that we are like jars of clay - inexpensive, fragile, and easily broken. In ancient times, it was also used for storing or transporting human waste and garbage. When I was younger, I used 요강 (YoGang, pictures), a pot near the bedroom for collecting urine at night because the bathroom was far away.

We are made of dust, and our lives are fragile (Genesis 2:7). We face physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges. We get sick, hurt, disappointed, and are vulnerable to temptation. During wintertime, many of our CBF and HBF students missed school for many days due to sickness; emotionally, we were easily hurt by people’s words and actions; mentally, we lacked willpower. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, but it is very hard to keep them, and we often don’t even remember what they were. Last week, Msn. Moses Kang delivered a wonderful message regarding temptations. He wanted us to remember one thing to resist temptation: ‘It is written…’ We are vulnerable to temptation due to our sinful nature. Sometimes, I think how nice it would be if God created us to be strong like superheroes in Marvel movies, with supernatural power, strength, and ability.

However, in reality, we are easily cracked and chipped. Usually, people throw out broken vessels because they have no value and are not useful. However, God does not discard us despite our many cracks and chips. Moreover, God has placed the treasure in our broken vessels when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The treasure, Jesus Christ, dwells within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. How amazing is that?

Because of the treasure within us, our value changes. The value of a jar is not in the jar itself, but in what it holds. Think about it: when you buy things, the value is determined by the content, not the container. There are two bottles of wine (pictures): One is a 1945 vintage wine (Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanee-Conti Burgundy - 750ml), which, in October 2024, was offered at $750,000. The other is Barefoot Sweet Red Wine 750ml, which sold for $3.96. When you recycle the bottle, it is worth only 5 cents. We are like these 5-cent bottles, even less valuable due to our cracks and chips. However, God chose us, the broken jars of clay, to store the treasure. Why? Let’s read verse 7 again: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. It is to show that all- surpassing power is from God, not from us.

Paul himself experienced many moments of brokenness and weakness in his life. He suffered from a health problem, which he described as ‘a thorn in my flesh… to torment me.’ He earnestly pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from him. What was God’s response to the request? 2 Corinthians 12:9a reads, But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Besides his health, some of the Corinthian believers also disapproved of him and rejected him because he was poor and depended on manual labor for his living. They thought that Paul had too much suffering, which they considered as a sign of being punished by God. Additionally, they criticized him for not being a skilled public speaker. However, Paul confessed, ‘Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong’ (2 Corinthians 12:9b-10). Paul said that he would boast even more gladly about his weaknesses. It is because his weakness and brokenness were not a hindrance but an opportunity to display God’s power. The more cracks there are, the more light shines through them. (Pictures) Christ’s power shone through him. The life testimonies that move our hearts are from those who have many cracks.

How did Paul’s practical life reflect the treasure in jars of clay? Look at verses 8-12, ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, 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. It was his life testimony. Paul had been in prison frequently, flogged severely many times, shipwrecked three times, and he often endured hunger and thirst, traveling without food, while toiling in manual labor to support himself (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). He was carrying around in his body the death of Jesus, for the sake of Christ. However, he was not crushed by such hardships and troubles. Sometimes we are mesmerized by Paul’s life and his faith despite such hostile and unfavorable circumstances.

Did Paul have supernatural strength himself? It was not him, but it was God. The Spirit of God had been with him and encouraged him in times of trouble and hardship. Apostle John has the same confession in 1 John 4:4: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” God is the one who demonstrated His power through him.

No one wants suffering and hardships in life, but these are inevitable in our lives. However, they do not necessarily have a negative impact on us, but rather they are an opportunity to learn who Jesus is and an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus to others. Earlier this year, NY UBF coworkers sent cards with prayers and words of encouragement to Shep. Becky Song Lee, who is struggling with her sickness. However, when I received her text message of appreciation and her profession of faith in the midst of her trial, I was the one encouraged more by her. I saw that the light of Jesus shines through her faith. Many of us are going through hardships and trials in our lives, but we must remember that they are not something to avoid, but opportunities to experience God and let the light of Jesus shine through us. I pray that the treasure in us may shine His light through us, so that many people around us may find life in Jesus Christ.

3. The Hope of Eternal Glory (13-18)

Look at verse 13-14, ¹³ It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”^[b] Since we have that same spirit of^[c] faith, we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴ because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.  These verses tell us why Paul eagerly preached the gospel. It is because of his faith in Jesus Christ, especially the hope of resurrection. Paul knew that God, who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead, would also raise him with Jesus. Not only him, but also those who belong to Christ. This hope of resurrection is the living hope (not a dead hope), which surely comes to us without fail.

We are all limited in this earthly body, which wears and tears as time passes by. The aging process begins around 45 years old. At some point in life, you suddenly realize that you need reading glasses. This might be the beginning of the aging process. As people get older, their body functions begin to decline one after another. They can no longer do the things they used to. I’m still in my mid-50s, but I am already dealing with the deterioration of my body’s functions: weakening eyesight and limited mobility in my right leg due to a spinal problem. I love to play tennis. Believe it or not, research says that those who play tennis live 10 more years. I love playing tennis, not because of that, but because of the feeling of refreshment, the sense of improving my skills, and the fellowship with others. However, due to my health problems, I cannot play well as I used to. At the end of last year, I also had tinnitus and suffered from it for a few weeks. However, I thank God that I can still play tennis with my limited mobility, and the tinnitus is now gone.

Paul says in verse 16: “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” It is a natural process for our outward appearance to waste away. We shouldn’t be discouraged by it because inwardly we are being renewed day by day with the living hope in Jesus Christ. Many of our coworkers in NY UBF are getting older, but they are actively engaged in serving the ministry—visiting campuses, inviting students to Bible studies, and caring for them with shepherd hearts. Physically, they are getting older but spiritually, seem like they are in their 20s. I believe that it is because they are being renewed day by day inwardly with the living word of God and the living hope in Jesus Christ.

Look at verse 17, ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Paul speaks of the hope that sustains us through our trials. Compared to the eternal glory, the troubles we face in this life—whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual—are temporary. They are light compared to the weight of eternal glory. Romans 8:17-18 reads, ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. ¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. What a great blessing we have as children of God. What a glorious promise we have. When we focus on things that are wasting away, there is no hope. It can be sad and discouraging to see the functions of our bodies deteriorating one after another. However, when we hold on the living hope, the eternal hope of resurrection, this hope can renew our spirits day by day.

Finally, Paul encourages us in verse 18, ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. May we fix our eyes, not on the temporary struggles of this world, but put our hope in the living hope, the hope of glorious resurrection. One day, our natural bodies will be transformed into glorious spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, “⁴² So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; ⁴³ it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; ⁴⁴ it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” Our suffering and labor in Christ are not in vain; they are producing an eternal reward that will be revealed when we are with Jesus Christ forever. Therefore, let’s not lose our hearts, but fix our eyes on Jesus, our treasure, and the glorious resurrection embracing our suffering in this world, then God