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. THAT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IS A TREASURE INDEED, AND IT IS OUR UNSPEAKABLE PRIVILEGE THAT WE HAVE THAT TREASURE. The gospel of Christ is indeed a treasure, for — 1. There is in it an abundance of that which is of inestimable value. "The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal them, the onyx, or the sapphire" (Job 28:19). There are treasures of wisdom and knowledge in the truths which the gospel discovers to us. There are treasures of comfort and joy in the offers which the gospel makes us, and the blessings it assures to all believers. These are things of value to the soul of man. And there is an abundance of them, infinitely exceeding that of light in the sun or water in the sea. In Christ there is enough of all that our souls need. 2. This is safely laid up for a perpetuity, and therefore it is a treasure. It is deposited in good hands. It is hid in God — in His wisdom and counsel. It is hid in Christ and in His undertaking for us, which contain all that we need as sinners. It is hid in the Scripture. There it may be found; thence it may be fetched by faith acting on Divine revelation, assenting to it with application and resignation. It is a treasure, for it is laid up for hereafter. The bulk of these riches is that which is reserved in heaven for us — a glory that is to be revealed in due time. 3. It is of universal use to us, and therefore it is a treasure. It is not only valuable in itself, but every way suitable and serviceable to us. It is a treasure in the world; it puts honour upon it, and puts good into it. It is a treasure to any nation or people. It is a treasure in the heart of every true believer who receives it. II. MINISTERS ARE EARTHEN VESSELS IN WHOM THIS TREASURE IS PUT. They are said to have this treasure, not only because they ought to have it in their hearts themselves firmly to believe it, but because they have the dispensing of it to others. 1. They are but vessels that afford no more, no other, than what is put into them, nor can give but just as they have received. God is the fountain of light and life. Ministers must remember this and religiously adhere to their instructions. People must remember this, and not expect more from their ministers than from vessels. We have a gospel to preach, not a gospel to make. 2. They are but earthen vessels. Some think here is an allusion to Gideon's soldiers, who, advancing to battle in the night, took lamps in their earthen pitchers, with the glaring light of which, upon breaking the pitchers, the enemy was discomfited. By such unlikely methods is Christ's cause carried on, and yet is victorious. Let us see why the ministers of the gospel are here compared to earthen vessels. (1) They are made of the same mould with other people. All the children of men are earthen vessels; the body is the vessel of the soul, and it is of the earth, earthy. We are not only children of men, as you are, but we are by nature children of wrath, even as others. (2) They are oftentimes, in respect of their outward condition, mean and low and of small account, as earthen vessels are not only men, but men of low degree, sons of earth, as the Hebrew phrase is. Their family, perhaps, like Gideon's, poor in Manasseh. The first preachers of the gospel were poor fishermen — earthen vessels indeed — bred up to the sea. (3) They are subject to many infirmities, to like passions as other men, and upon that account they are earthen vessels; they have their faults, their blemishes, as earthen vessels have. (4) They are made of different sorts of earth, as earthen vessels are — all of the same nature, but not all of the same natural constitution. The bodies of some are of a stronger make, and more cut out for labour, while others are feeble, and soon foiled. But those of the finest mould, even the china vessels, are but earthen ones. A great deal of difference there is likewise between some and others of those earthen vessels in respect of natural temper; some are more bold, others more timorous; some more warm and eager, others more soft and gentle. (5) They are of different shapes and sizes, as earthen vessels, notwithstanding which they may all receive and minister the treasure according to their different capacities. (6) They are all what God, the great potter, makes them. Therefore we ought not to envy the gifts of those who excel us. (7) They are all vessels of use and service in the family, though they are but earthen ones. (8) They are oftentimes despised by men, notwithstanding the honour God has put upon them, and are thrown by as broken vessels in which is no pleasure. It has often been the lot of some of the most faithful ministers of Christ to be loaded with reproach. (9) They are frail and mortal and dying, and upon that account they are earthen vessels. Thus the apostle explains it here: "We which live are always delivered unto death." They are worn out with their labours, and are spent in the service of Christ and souls. III. God has put the treasure of the gospel into earthen vessels THAT THE DIVINE POWER WHICH GOES ALONG WITH THE GOSPEL MAY BE SO MUCH THE MORE GLORIFIED. The great design of the everlasting gospel is to bring men to fear God and give glory to Him. There was an excellency of power going along with the apostles which appeared to be of God, and not of themselves. 1. To strengthen them for the work they were employed in. To preach down Judaism and paganism, and to preach up the kingdom of a crucified Jesus, was a service that required a far greater strength, both of judgment and resolution, than the apostles had of themselves. 2. To support them under the hardships that were put upon them. 3. To give them success in that great work to which they were called.Now for the application of this. 1. It may be many ways instructive to us who are ministers, and may remind us of our duty. (1) Are we earthen vessels? Then we have reason to be very humble and low in our own eyes, and to take great care that we never think of ourselves above what is meet, but always think soberly. (2) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us not be indulgent of our bodies, nor of their ease or appetites. What needs so much ado about an earthen vessel when, after all our pains about it, we cannot alter the property of it. (3) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us not be empty vessels. A vessel of gold or silver is of considerable value though it be empty; but an earthen vessel, if empty, is good for little, but is thrown among the lumber. (4) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us be clean vessels. (5) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us take heed of dashing one against another, for nothing can be of more fatal consequence than that to earthen vessels — no, nor to the treasure that is deposited in them. (6) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us bear reproach with patience, and not think it strange, or fret at it. (7) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us often think of being broken and laid aside, and prepare accordingly. 2. This doctrine may be of use to you all. Are your ministers earthen vessels? (1) Thank God for the gospel treasure, though it be put into earthen vessels — nay, thank God that it is in such vessels, that it may be the more within your reach. (2) Esteem the earthen vessels for the treasure's sake that is put into them. (3) Bless God that the breaking of the earthen vessel is not the loss of the heavenly treasure. Ministers die, but the Word of the Lord endureth. (4) Let the glory of all the benefits you have, or may have, by the ministry of the gospel be given to God — to Him only, to Him entirely — for from Him the excellency of the power is. (5) Let the consideration of the frailty and mortality of your ministers quicken you to make a diligent improvement of their labours while they are continued with you. (Matthew Henry.) 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. |
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