2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (WEL) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the superiority of this power may be of God and not from us. 8 We go through difficult things but are not distressed. We are perplexed, but not to the point of despair. 9 We are persecuted but not forsaken. We are cast down, but not destroyed. 10 We are always carrying around the death of the Lord Jesus in the body, in order that the life of Jesus might also be easily seen in our body. 11 For we who live are always being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, in order that the life of Jesus might be clearly seen in our mortal flesh. 12 So then, death is working in us but life in you.
V7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the superiority of this power may be of God and not from us.
We are weak and unable to do as we ought to. God gives the strength and grace for us believers to live and serve God.
This treasure refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, believed by a person who is then born again. We cannot take credit for saving ourselves. Salvation is from our faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone. The Holy Spirit convicts, frees, calls, and if we believe instead of reject, the new birth. The power of the Gospel is not in us; it is in God. See Romans 1:16-17 and John 15:4-5.
V8 We go through difficult things but are not distressed. We are perplexed, but not to the point of despair.
The stresses of life, especially the Christian life, can be overwhelming. But we have God’s help (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s assisting grace is with us even when we suffer. Compare Hebrews 11:27. They are perplexed by not knowing the way out of a troubling situation, but we trust in God to help us.
V9 We are persecuted but not forsaken. We are cast down, but not destroyed.
Even when we are persecuted and cast down to the earth, God is still with us. Our soul cannot be destroyed (Compare Matthew 10:28).
V10 We are always carrying around the death of the Lord Jesus in the body, in order that the life of Jesus might also be easily seen in our body.
The first phrase speaks of the physical, mental, and emotional torture. The Lord Jesus experienced this too. How we endure and witness even in persecution and troubles is witnessing for God and His help. Others will notice and hopefully believe in Him too.
V11 For we who live are always being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, in order that the life of Jesus might be clearly seen in our mortal flesh.
Christians die daily somewhere and some place. Yet, real faith and God’s help is our testimony.
Compare 1 Peter 5:10 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Barclay (beware) comments:
“We are persecuted by men but never abandoned by God. One of the most notable things about the martyrs is that it was amidst their sorest times that they had their sweetest times with Christ. As Joan of Arc said when she was abandoned by those who should have stood by her, “It is better to be alone with God. His friendship will not fail me, nor his counsel, nor his love. In his strength, I will dare and dare and dare until I die.” As the psalmist wrote, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” (Psalm 27:10). Nothing can alter the loyalty of God.
“These two biblical phrases are ideal correlations. The only way that we can live as God intends is by grace. Our God is the source of all grace. God’s grace is to be drawn upon by humility and faith. Prayer is the most appropriate expression of humility and faith. We pray, because we need God’s help (thereby, expressing humility). We pray, because we believe God will help us (thereby, exercising faith). Consequently, praying without ceasing is a simple, yet profound, way to relate rightly to the God of all grace.”
V12 So then, death is working in us but life in you.
We suffer and die, but the Gospel is still life in you. The Gospel is still preached to all. The Gospel brings a life that is eternal and blessed by God.
We learn:
- God can bring good out of what evils others do to us.
- To rely on God.
Questions:
- Have you seen good come out of troubles?
- Have you thanked God for His help?