Treasure in Earthen Vessel 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 Dr. Joseph Chang 3/22/2015 BOLGPC

2 Corinthians 4: 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.

I. Treasure in Earthen Vessel demonstrates the all-surpassing power of God. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 【 2Cor 4:6 】 Treasure = the knowledge of God in the face of Christ = the gospel of Jesus’ incarnation

Lew Wallace ( ) Union General in the American Civil War Governor of New Mexico Territory Politician in Indiana

Bob Ingersoll (1833 – 1899)

Joshua Liu (13, 新竹成功國中小老師 ) 7/2014, 28 teachers to Hsinchu 14 schools, 31/34 classes, 1738 students

II. If I want to experience the power of this treasure, do not yield easily when the pressure against my sharing of the gospel is mounting. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;(1 Cor 4:8a)

15 他說：猶大眾人、耶路撒冷的居民，和約沙法 王，你們請聽。耶和華對你們如此說：不要因這 大軍恐懼驚惶；因為勝敗不在乎你們，乃在乎 神。【代下 20:15 】 15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 【 2Chr 20:15 】

7 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. 【 2Chr 32:7~8 】

III. If I want to experience the power of this treasure, do not fold up when the fund for sharing the gospel is scarce. perplexed, but not in despair; 【 2Cor 4:8 】 avpore,w /aporeo/ meaning: 1) to be without resources, to be in straits, to be left wanting

31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 【 Matt 6:31~33 】

IV. If I want to experience the power of the treasure, do not be self-pity in kingdom’s work, knowing that God will not abandon me. 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; 【 2Cor 4:9a 】

15 The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." 【 1King 19:15~18 】

V. If I want to experience the power of the treasure, do not fear death while in the field. 打倒了，卻不至死亡。【林後 4:9b 】 Struck down, but not destroyed. 【 2Cor 4:9b 】

1904 生於中國的河北, 在中國 的山東長大, 2001 於美國過世. 包忠傑牧師 (Rev. Paul Bartel)

Conclusion 10 身上常帶著耶穌的死，使耶穌的生也顯明 在我們身上。【林後 4:10 】 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. 【 2Cor 4:10 】