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. God designs His glory as the result of the instrumentality He employs. What apparently could be more visionary than the design of Moses to deliver the Israelites? But God chose to illustrate His power by "leading His people like a flock by the hands of Moses and Aaron." But the twelve fishermen of Galilee appeared, in fanaticism, to exceed all their predecessors. But ere they died they had filled the world with their doctrine. I. IT STATES AN IMPORTANT FACT. "We have this treasure in earthen vessels." 1. The depositaries of Divine truth. Need I specify the truths of which they were made the depositaries? They received "Christ crucified"; they were put "in charge of the gospel"; the doctrine of man's ruin by nature, and his recovery by sovereign grace. These truths are beautifully styled a treasure. (1) Think on their value. (2) Think on their magnitude. (3) Think on their permanence.There is a sense, peculiar to the apostles, in which they were made the depositaries of this treasure. Most of them had been admitted to personal converse with the Lord of heaven; the Spirit had taken of the things of Christ and showed to them what they had heard. 2. The instruments of Divine agency. "That the power may be of God." All believers have this invaluable treasure, but to some it is committed with a more extensive design than to others. Jehovah's wise and gracious plan is that of co-operation, and when He blesses any being it is to make him a blessing. Thus the world of grace corresponds with that of nature. The sun has the treasure of light and heat. Why? That he may shine — may display the glory of God, and show through nature His handy work; may fertilise the ground — may illuminate the system, and shed a lustre which some of tim receivers shall again reflect. The recommendation of Divine truth, according to the station which we fill, necessarily results, not only from the Divine appointment, but from the knowledge of the truth itself. It is a treasure which cannot be concealed. 3. The occasions of Divine glory. "The power" — "the excellence of the power" — reminds us that something worthy of God is produced. What has been the effect upon society. In the metaphorical language of Scripture, "the wilderness and the solitary place was glad for them, and the desert rejoiced and blossomed as the rose." II. AS THE STATEMENT OF A PRINCIPLE WHICH RELIGION WILL IMPROVE. The excellence of the power is of God. Let us consider it — 1. With reference to God. He will be acknowledged; He has written His name in all His hands have made. Jehovah's eternal praise is to result from the redemption of a lost world. By it His nature is exhibited, His perfections are displayed, His government is illustrated. By this method He impresses us with the nature and importance of salvation; for we see the necessity of His immediate agency to effect it. 2. With reference to ourselves. "The excellency of the power" is "of God, and not of us." This conviction is calculated to qualify for the engagement. It is adapted — (1) To keep us humble. (2) Therefore the conviction is further calculated to keep us near to Himself. (3) This principle, further, will prevent our discouragement. "Therefore, seeing, we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not." 3. With reference to our hearers. (1) It wilt produce in them satisfaction with our message. They will remember that our doctrine and our reproofs are not ours, bug His that sent us. (2) Again, the belief of the truth in our text will induce our hearers to aid us — to aid us by their prayers. (J. Innes.). 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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