“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7
Daily Reading Plan
Read:
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Bible in a Year:
Psalm 94:1-23 ; Revelation 8:1-13
AUDIO VERSION
THE TREASURE OF THE GOSPEL
There have been lots of treasures that have been discovered over time. Some of them have been found in ships, caves, boxes, and even clay pots. But there is a special treasure God has given to us that has not been buried or lost. When we are filled with hope and have been saved through Jesus, we have something valuable that will help people see God’s love.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Paul calls the Gospel “this” treasure. Why? Because the Gospel is a treasure like no other. The Gospel reveals the unsearchable riches of Jesus and points us to a super, never-ending inheritance in heaven.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Only the Gospel reveals God’s plan for our redemption. The Gospel has the unique power of God to save us, and it is the sole message that can be obeyed, with the result being that the obeyers are saved. Only the Gospel is sealed by the blood of Jesus and is a real treasure that is worth more than anything you can find in the world.
“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)
People work their whole lives so diligently to possess material treasures, but they give little, if any, thought to what comes next. How will they spend eternity if they never made Jesus Lord of their life and invested the time into their spiritual treasure?
Some people do not see the priceless value of the Gospel, saying it is foolishness or how it does not apply to them. The message of the Gospel is God’s wisdom, and without it, we can not truly live our lives like God intended it.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Paul said that we have this treasure in earthen vessels. This does not refer to material containers, but rather to the physical, human body. The Gospel is inside of us, and we are God’s earthen vessels. The bottom line is this: if we do not teach the Gospel to others, then the job will not get done!
God depends on us to be like Paul and open our mouths to tell the lost about Jesus. We must take the time and put forth the effort to train others to be able to teach others about Jesus.
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
Just like a virus, sin is like a disease that can be cured. The Gospel treasure, which tells of the sin-cleansing blood of Jesus, is the remedy for our sins. Why would we not want to tell our loved ones, friends, and all others the greatest news that anyone could ever hear? Especially right now. There has never been a better time to share the Gospel then right now.
Take a moment to thank God for the treasure of the Gospel and for our opportunity to share His good news to a hurting world around us. The task of sharing this treasure’s great news is not a burden, but a privilege. Start your mission today.
Will you share the treasure of the Gospel to the people God has placed in your path today?
Do you need Prayer? We are here to pray with you.
“Heavenly Father, You have said I have this treasure in me, that the excellence of the power may be of You and not of me. I thank You for the treasure of the gospel that I will share with others in this hurting world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
