Treasure In Vessels (Part 3)
5For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord… —2 Corinthians 4:5
Paul put the emphasis on the treasure more than the vessel. Why?
A vessel without the treasure is
.
3But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are PERISHING. —2 Corinthians 4:3
2 main uses for vessels…
Vessels were used to store valuable documents, money, and jewelry. Take the valuable items away and the vessel loses its value.
Vessels were also used to hold garbage or human waste. The vessel didn’t raise the value of the waste.
A vessel doesn’t hold/create
4whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. —2 Corinthians 4:4
12Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” —John 8:12
A vessel with the treasure is
.
6For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. —2 Corinthians 4:6
Paul took the church at Corinth back to the story of creation. During the creation story, darkness covered everything. We then read…
3Then God said, “Let there be light” and there was light. —Genesis 1:3
The reason why this conversation is important? We are only vessels. We cannot create or add value. We need something to give us value.
Jesus is our treasure.
Call To Action
5For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. —2 Corinthians 4:5
- Paul said Jesus was the focus because Jesus was the treasure. What/Who is your treasure?
- Paul said he was a bondservant for the Corinthians. Paul gave his life to them to make sure they saw Jesus. Are you a bondservant/vessel for Calvary? Your family? Your circles?