Introduction

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the means of bestowing God's riches to fallen man. Not only so, it is entrusted to men (in particular) and the church (in general) - yet it is intended for all mankind. Paul compares this divine deposit to a great treasure which has been stored in clay pots.

Body

I. THE TREASURY OF THE GLORY OF GOD.

   A. Revealed in Christ (4:6).

        1. A direct expression of God's glory (4:4; see Hebrews 1:3; John 1:14; Colossians 1:15; also see II Corinthians 3:4-11 in context).

        2. The divine glory was embodied in a living person, not in a philosophical theory or abstraction (John 1:14, 18). God did not disclose His glory and character in words, but in deeds; not by a volume but by a life.

        3. This divine person came into human circumstances in a human body, to do the will of God as a man (Hebrews 10:5-7; read the Gospels for many illustrations and specifics).

   B. Received into human hearts (4:2-5).

        1. When not obscured by human ambition (4:5).

        2. When commended by an honest presentation and life (4:2).

        3. When faith routs the god of this world (4:3-4).

   C. Reflected into other lives (4:10, 11, 15; see also Philippians 2:15-16).

II. THE EARTHEN VESSELS. (Literally these are clay or earthenware pots.)

   A. Doubts are inevitable in the midst of faith.

    Even the Apostles doubted, and continually grew in faith (John 20:19-31). It is not wrong to honestly doubt, but faith should reside in divine wisdom and not human understanding. Faith will grow day by day as one looks on the face of Jesus Christ.

   B. A practice-gap is expected but not condoned.

    One should seek to live as he preaches, but earthen vessels are weaker than the treasure they hold (Mark 14:66-72; Galatians 2:11-14). Human weakness is cause not for disillusionment, but repentance and confession to God. Such confession of weakness and sin show dependence on God and prepare the Christian to receive God's power (Philippians 2:12-16; Ephesians 1:19-20; 3:20-21).

III. THE GREATNESS OF THE POWER IS OF GOD, NOT OURSELVES.

A. In preaching and teaching (3:4-6).

B. In transforming human life (3:17-18).

C. In meeting opposition from the world (4:8-14).

Conclusion

Because God's glory is revealed in Jesus Christ and is in the gospel entrusted to His saints, the heavenly treasure is said to be stored in earthen vessels. The Christian should therefore not trust his own power, or become discouraged when he makes mistakes. Rather he should seek and rely on God's strength - then give Him all praise for work accomplished. In this way he will pass from glory to glory, as by the Spirit he is changed into the image of Jesus Christ.

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