Jars of Clay
Jars of Clay
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (NIV)
7 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. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
I. Introduction:
II. Be A Jar Of Clay That Shows A Glorious Life
A. The Glorious Life of Strength Revealed
1. Revealing Power
a) A Weak Vessel
b) A Powerful God
2. Overcoming Difficulties
a) The Problems That Arise Are Genuine
b) The Power That Overcomes Is Greater
B. The Glorious Life of Christ Revealed
1. His Life Revealed Through His Death
2. His Life Revealed In Us
III. Be A Jar Of Clay That Shares A Glorious Faith
A. A Faith That Is Spoken
1. Speaking Starts With Believing
2. Believing That Results In Speaking
B. A Faith That Is Specific
1. Faith In The Death Of Jesus
2. Faith In The Resurrection Of Jesus
C. A Faith That Is Spread
1. Causing Others Who Benefit
2. Causing Thanksgiving For Grace
3. Causing God To Be Glorified
IV. Be A Jar Of Clay That Sees A Glorious Hope
A. A Hope That Triggers Renewal
1. Resisting Discouragement
2. Finding Renewal
a) In Spite Of Outer Decay
b) In Side Of The Jar Of Clay
c) In Steady Supply From God
B. A Hope That Outweighs Troubles
1. Troubles Are Seen As Light
2. Troubles Seen As Short
3. Troubles Anticipate Glory
C. A Hope That Reflects Eternity
1. Disregarding Temporary Appearances
2. Focusing On Eternal Glory
V. Conclusion: