We Have This Treasure in Jars of Clay
(2 Corinthians 4:7-12)
?“7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 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 be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”
Introduction
A jar of clay does not hold any value by itself. But things totally change when a treasure is put into the jar. The value of a treasure determines that of a jar, since the treasure and the jar become one.
Jesus Christ is the treasure who has all the authority in heaven and earth. Through His death on the Cross, he did away with sin and death. Through His resurrection, he alone is Holy throughout heaven and earth.
When we repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior, this very Jesus comes into our unworthy jars of clay (our lives). By pouring this Treasure into the jars, the function of the jars, our lives, changes. ?
1. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed
1) Being hard pressed by ordeals just like Job, facing hardships
2) Defeated the army of Aram * (2 Kings 6:14-19)
2. Perplexed, but not in despair;
1) Joseph was perplexed numerous times ? everything worked for good.
2) The more perplexed we get the better things that will come to us.
3. Persecuted, but not abandoned
1) Almost every Christian in the world is facing persecution.
- When persecuted, the work of the Holy Spirit is revealed.
- When 120 disciples prayed at Matthew’s attic in Jerusalem.
2) We ourselves come to seek God more eagerly when persecuted.

4. Struck down, but not destroyed
1) Recently, a missionary in the Philippines was struck down by the bullets of an assailant.
- Though our house of tent on earth becomes destroyed, we have an eternal house in heaven.
2) It is a natural law that we all die once and face judgment after death.
5. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus
- Through thoughts, dreams and visions, faith, and confession of lips
- The life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body
6. Given over to death for Jesus, so that his life may be revealed
- The background in which the life of Jesus is revealed.
Conclusion
When we think, dream, believe, proclaim and praise Jesus Christ, who is our Treasure, then Jesus will work through us.