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 EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL. The gospel is described as a treasure for — 1. Its value. By some it is not estimated as a very great treasure; but let a man be convinced of sin, or be threatened with death, and he will prove its value. (1) Is a Saviour of any value to the lost and the guilty? Why, this is a revelation of Christ and of salvation by Him. (2) Is free favour of any value to the poor criminal, whereby the judge tells him the king has pardoned him? Then the gospel is precious to such a mind, for it is the gospel of the grace of God. (3) Is life valuable to a dying man? Then the gospel is precious, for it is the word of life, and he that believeth it hath everlasting life. (4) Is light valuable? This is "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."(5) Is wisdom precious? All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are summed up in the gospel. (6) Is not food precious? "I have estimated the words of His lips more than my necessary food." 2. Its abundance. It is the glory of the gospel that in it atonement is complete. All the influence necessary to apply this gospel with Divine power to the heart is treasured up in Christ. When the Spanish ambassador was shown the treasures of St. Mark in Venice, he immediately groped to find the bottom of the treasure, and a page who was standing by said, "In this my master's treasure excels yours — in that it has no bottom." So we say of the gospel. None have ever reached the depth and sufficiency of this heavenly treasure. Millions in all ages have received, and yet there is abundance. There are in it the riches of pardon, justification, sanctification, expectation; and hence proceeds satisfaction. A man is never satisfied till he enjoys the gospel. 3. Its duration. "Riches and honour are with Me; yea, durable riches and righteousness." Other treasures make to themselves wings, and flee away. Does it announce mercy? "The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting." Does it speak of joy? "The ransomed of the Lord shall come to Zion with everlasting joy upon their heads." Does it tell me of love? It is "the everlasting love wherewith God has loved me." Does it tell me of strength which I am to receive? Well then, it is "everlasting strength." Does it speak to me of salvation? "Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation." Does it speak of the habitations beyond the grave? These are "everlasting habitations." II. THE INSTRUMENTS WHO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL — earthen vessels. And ministers are so called for various reasons. 1. As to their origin. 2. As to the estimation in which they are held. They are received by the world only as earthen vessels — their poverty, their appearance. Paul's bodily presence was weak and his speech contemptible. Moses said, "I am not eloquent heretofore nor since Thou hast spoken unto Thy servant." Amos was a herdsman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. Peter was a fisherman, Matthew a publican, John Bunyan a tinker, Whitfield a servitor at college. 3. As to their bodily constitution. Are you sick and dying? So are we. Are you subject to infirmities? So are we. Earthen vessels are subject to knocks, to falls, and speedily to be broken; they last generally but a short time. This has been the case with some of the most eminent servants of Jesus Christ. 4. As to their usefulness. An earthen vessel is useful for reception and effusion. Something must be put in, and something must be poured out. III. THE REASON WHY THIS TREASURE IS GIVEN TO SUCH INSTRUMENTS TO DISPENSE. "That the excellency of the power," etc. Now, this Divine power is almighty, and therefore not all the powers of hell, of prejudice, of error, of ignorance, of obstinacy and blindness, can stand before it. But it is not a power which subjects an individual against his own will, but it is the power of light discovering darkness to the mind; of mercy showing the way of escape from the wrath to come; of truth overcoming error and prejudice in the mind; of love silently yet effectually drawing the soul to attend to Christ's voice. (J. Sherman.) 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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