We are Earthen Vessels vs Christ is the Treasure

 

We are Earthen Vessels vs Christ is the Treasure

2 Cor 4:7 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us"

Aspect	Earthen Vessels (We)	Treasure (Christ)
Meaning	Humble vessel, representing human weakness Scripture: • 2 Cor 4:7 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels" • 2 Cor 4:7b "that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us"	Divine content, representing Christ's rich life Scripture: • 2 Cor 4:6 "For God... has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" • 2 Cor 4:4 "Christ, who is the image of God"
Characteristics	• Fragile and breakable • Without value • Fallen and sinful • Powerless Scripture: • Rom 7:18 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwells no good thing" • 2 Cor 4:8-9 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken"	• Precious and glorious • Source of transcendent power • Life-giving Spirit • Embodiment of God Scripture: • 1 Cor 15:45b "The last Adam was made a quickening spirit" • Col 1:27 "Christ in you, the hope of glory" • Col 2:9 "For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily"
Distinction	External vessel, earthly container Scripture: • Gen 2:7 "The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground" • 2 Cor 5:1 "If our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved"	Internal content, heavenly life Scripture: • John 1:4 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" • Col 3:4 "Christ, who is our life"
Examples	Like clay vessels, without inherent glory Scripture: • Jer 18:6 "As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand" • Isa 64:8 "We are the clay, and you our potter"	Like a jewel in a vessel, manifesting God's glory Scripture: • John 17:22 "The glory which you gave me I have given them" • Col 1:27 "What is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles"
Application	• Acknowledge our weakness • Open fully to the Lord • Rely on the indwelling Christ Scripture: • 2 Cor 12:9 "My strength is made perfect in weakness" • Gal 2:20 "I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me"	• Express God's glory • Supply divine life • Shine forth gospel truth Scripture: • Phil 2:15 "Among whom you shine as lights in the world" • Matt 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father"
Relationship	The earthen vessel contains the treasure, showing that the power is of God and not of us Key Scripture: • 2 Cor 4:7 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" • 2 Cor 4:10-11 "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body...that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh"

Conclusion:

This contrast reveals God's wisdom in choosing to place His treasure (Christ) in earthen vessels (us) to demonstrate that all power and glory belong to Him. This comparison not only shows God's wisdom but also illustrates the essence of Christian life: manifesting God's transcendent power through weak vessels.

 

*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim, California, USA training Experiencing, Enjoying and Manifesting Christ (II) Week 17 Christ as the Image of God and as Treasure