Treasure in Jars of Clay Peter Fitch Sunday, September 2, 2007

2 Corinthians 4: Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

2 Corinthians 4: in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond- servants for Jesus' sake.

2 Corinthians 4: For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

2 Corinthians 4: we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

What Is the Treasure? 6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels...

1 Parallel to Creation God said, Let there be light in Genesis He also said, Let there be the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Levels of Being? (E. F. Schumachers idea)

2 Possible to Miss It the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (v. 4).

What Missing Looks Like Augustines idea of the sin before the sin Temptations old and new Romans 1:25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

3 Worth Everything-Matthew 13: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

4 Worth Fighting For But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the power which surpasses all things may seen to be of God and not of us. We are sore pressed at every point, but not hemmed in. We are at our wits end, but never at our hopes end. We are persecuted by men, but never abandoned by God. We are knocked down, but not knocked out (v. 7-9, Barclay)

Sirach (c. 190 BC) Ch. 2:1-6 My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity. Cling to Him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous. Accept whatever befalls you,

Sirach (c. 190 BC) Ch. 2:1-6 and in times of humiliation be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in Him, and He will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in Him. Deutero-canonical Books (OT Apocrypha)

5 Worth BuildingMatthew 12:35 "The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. Lance Pitluck: How did it get there?

6 Worth Giving Away Thus the Truth Itself, manifested to us by assuming our human nature, engaged in prayer on the mountain and worked miracles in the towns. He thus showed the way to be followed by good rulers, who, though they strive after the highest things by contemplation, should nevertheless by their compassion share in the needs of the weak.

Reaching Up, Pouring Out Then, indeed, charity rises to sublime heights, when in pity it is drawn by the lowly things of the neighbour, and the more kindly it stoops to infirmity, the mightier is its reach to the highest. Gregory the Great (A.D ), Pastoral Care (Corn in a famine)

7 Worth Putting On Display Matthew 5: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 "nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.