Mere Clay Pots

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay 

to show that this all-surpassing power is from God 

and not from us. 

We are hard-pressed on every side,

but not crushed;

perplexed,

but not in despair;

persecuted, 

but not abandoned;

struck down,

but not destroyed.

- 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

So in church yesterday, a visiting pastor gave a sermon on 2 Corinthians 7:1-12. The main thing I got out of this talk was the 'clay pots' analogy. In Paul's day, clay pots were very functional and used on a daily basis. The reason that treasure is kept in a clay pot is to differentiate the treasure from the container. For example, if you have a crown of jewels, you wouldn't be marvelling at the glass case around it; you marvel at the crown. In the same way, we shouldn't be wanting to draw attention to ourselves but rather, draw attention to the treasure inside of us. 

In everything we do, we should want to draw attention to the treasure within us, the treasure of the gospel. 

"God's glory can only shine through if there are cracks in His clay pots" 

So I guess it was good reminder that serving is never about us but about revealing the treasure of Christ to others

The response song was really effective too. Love it.

All that we’ve accomplished You have done for us 
And any fruit we harvest is a gift from Your hand 
We are only jars of clay that hold a priceless treasure 
And we exist to bring You pleasure, O God 

- Receive the Glory, Sovereign Grace Music