The Gospel Treasure in Earthen Vessels
J. Alexander. 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. I. THE GOSPEL AS A TREASURE. 1. There are on earth many mines of material treasures, but the mine which contains this is the Word. Here are contained all things which "are profitable." 2. But while this treasure is spiritual, it is invaluable. "Man knoweth not the price thereof, neither is it found in the land of the living." And if you ask for the evidence of this, you may see the price that it cost — not silver and gold, but the precious blood of Christ. 3. Spiritual and invaluable as it is, it is an obtained treasure. "We have it." II. THIS TREASURE IS DEPOSITED "IN EARTHEN VESSELS." III. THIS TREASURE IS CONTAINED IN EARTHEN VESSELS TO SHOW THAT THE POWER IS DIVINE. 1. When God predicted the success of the gospel, He said, "My Word shall not return unto Me void." When the apostles looked upon their hearers, they said, "The power is of God." And even now, when the gospel is preached, that mind which authority could not govern, nor vengeance terrify — how often has it been carried captive by Christ! And how excellent is this power! It keeps the heart and mind in the knowledge of Jesus Christ; it is a good hope through grace. 2. Now, had an angel been the depository of this treasure, we might have been ready to give praise to the angel's eloquence and power; but it is not so now, "for God," saith the apostle, "hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." (J. Alexander.) Parallel Verses KJV: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. WEB: But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves.