In responding to the question of why many Christians today fail to see the gospel ministry as a treasure, our first reply based on 2 Corinthians chapter verses 1 to 6 is because of how the word of God is handled today. Now, as we conclude this article, two more responses are evident in the passage:
The Gospel Bearers are weak.
We fail to see the ministry of the gospel as a treasure because the “jars of clay” or the human instruments appear too weak, verses 7 to 14.
In contrast to the eloquent orators of the day, Paul was considered inferior as a public speaker. However, the reason why the apostle did not follow the standard of his day boasting about human eloquence and sophistication is because he wanted to give all the credit to God. The apostle emphasized:
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
And then instead of boasting about himself, he mentioned his credentials as follows:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
Paul boasted about his sufferings and trials, not about numbers whether in the form of church attendance or the size of offerings. And his message too was not popular, “the death of Jesus.” However, though it was not popular, the apostle saw it as a treasure and that’s why he endured all those trials and sufferings.
Unseen Benefits
Finally, I think the reason why many today don’t see the ministry as a treasure is because we do not realize that this treasure will benefit us, verses 15 to 18.
The apostle Paul said:
All this is for your benefit . . .
We can see the benefit of the ministry of the gospel in at least three ways:
The benefit of this treasure in jars of clay is evident in the increasing number of people giving thanks to God.
This treasure in jars of clay is beneficial for our daily renewal:
Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day (v. 16).
Returning to John Owen, the English Puritan answered the question of how the discipline of meditation upon the beauty and glory of Jesus would restore His people to the paths of growth and productivity.
One, as we focus our mind on Jesus, the Spirit of God changes us every day, more and more, into the likeness of Christ himself. Growth, flourishing, and fruitfulness will result from a constant reflection on Jesus’ glory. As we live in constant contemplation of the glory of Jesus, virtue will flow from him to repair all our decays and to renew a right spirit within us. This way of recovery is foolishness of course, in the eyes of the world. It is like washing in Jordan seven times to cure our leprosy. But the life of faith is a mystery known only to those who live in it.
Two, a meditation on the glory of Christ gives us delight and satisfaction in life. Yes, we cannot have a perfect vision of Christ in this life. But as we draw nearer to that vision, the better, the more spiritual is the state of our mind and soul. Remember that most of our barrenness arises from the admission of unworthy thoughts into our minds and weakens the operation of grace in our lives. But when the mind is filled with thoughts about Jesus, such thoughts are filled with power and strength to cast out all causes of spiritual weaknesses in our lives.
- The benefit of this treasure in jars of clay is eternal:
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (vs. 17 – 18).
Conclusion
Below is the conventional format of a last will:
I, _________________________________ of __________________________________________________ declared that this is my last will. I revoke all prior wills. I give my real property, which was my residence at the time of my death, together with my insurance on such real property to _______________________.
I also give my automobile, household goods, furnishings, tools, jewelry, clothing, and tangible articles to ________________.
On this _____ day of _____________, in the _______________________________, I hereby sign this document and declare it to be my last will.
Jesus has also given His Church His last will. The Church now owns his treasure. He signed it not with pen, but with His blood when He gave His life on the cross for His Bride. You and I are that Bride.
In our journey in the Christian life, we are always tempted by our Enemy, the world, and ourselves to find a replacement for this treasure that we already have in the gospel of Christ. As the Bride of Christ journeying for 18 years, be reminded that the ministry of the gospel is the real treasure. Don’t allow yourself to be misled by the philosophies of men disguised as the gospel of Christ. Moreover, be also on guard not to take for granted this treasure because of the weaknesses of its human instruments. Remember, that this treasure is for your benefit.
As the Church of Jesus Christ in possession of the gospel, you have an invaluable treasure. You did nothing to earn this treasure. Our proper response to God should be one of humility, praise, and adoration.