2 Corinthians 4
by Philip Layton
‘We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen’
Click here to read 2 Corinthians 4
Discussion Questions
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Do you believe you will be resurrected? On what do you base your belief (v 14)?
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How can you fix your eyes of what is unseen (v 18)?
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Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
Paul writes from his heart to the hearts of the Corinthians – revealing much about himself, which he felt was needed. He even commences this portion of Scripture by saying that, together, they must not ‘lose heart’ (v 1).
For ministry was, and is more often than not, tough. Yet it is all about ministering for:
…the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (v 4).
So often the awareness of our many limitations causes great discouragement. I remember first being appointed to Quebec, a French-speaking province in Canada. I didn’t speak the language, yet was expected to work and minister in French. My feeling of inadequacy was overwhelming. With time, I did learn to read and write French, but actually speaking was never easy. A humbling experience. But the words gradually came from my lips. God, working in me.
Paul says to the Corinthians that even in very difficult circumstances, we are simply jars of clay. But in each jar is the ‘treasure’ of Christ:
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (v 7).
Jars of clay. Carrying the greatest ‘treasure’ in the world: Jesus Christ.
We pray people will be open to receive, to welcome the Lord – and be completely transformed.
Prayer
Lord, help me to realise I’m simply a jar of clay, carrying the most beautiful ‘treasure’ one could ever imagine. Allow me to carry this treasure of Christ to someone today.
Beverly Ivany
Photograph by Ricky Artigas (used under Creative Commons license)