Scripture:
II Corinthians 4:7-12 NKJV
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. [8] We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— [10] always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. [11] For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. [12] So then death is working in us, but life in you.
Observation:
I love this small group of scriptures. There seems to be so much said in a few short verses. Paul starts out by explaining to the church of Corinth that it’s honestly just not about them their life is fragile. What matters is the treasure that is held within them. The power of GOD is manifested through a relationship with Jesus Christ and not anything they did. In verse 8, Paul reminds the Corinthians that trials and tribulations are a part of life. However, because of the treasure that is within them, those things will not crush them or destroy them. They may be confusing and somewhat baffling at times, but the hope of Jesus will keep them from being overtaken with depression and worry. People may come against them because of their beliefs, but GOD will never forget about them and will protect them from true destruction. Paul’s consistent reminder that they have died to their flesh, I believe, is to keep them from reacting out of emotion to the things that are going on around them. His desire for the Corinthians was that they live according to the Holy Spirit. He referred to the death of Christ, and then HIS life. This was to bring about the transformation that comes from putting their flesh to death and living according to the seal that is given upon salvation. Paul says this more than once because he is driving the point home. He knew how easy it was for the flesh to be resurrected and wanted to make sure that the Holy Spirit was in complete control. Verse 11 has an interesting twist to it. I believe what is being referred to is eternal life. Paul says, “For we who live are always delivered from death for Jesus’ sake.” But we know that there are people who have given their lives for their belief in Jesus, so it could be a little confusing here. I believe that what is being said is that this life on earth is not the end. Knowing Jesus Christ as your LORD and SAVIOR removes the fear of death. Because it’s not the end. There is an eternal life after the flesh has been put to death. Having a relationship with Jesus Christ and living according to the Holy Spirit brings that into perspective. The last verse this morning just drives that point home.
Application:
I’m just going to be honest and say it would be nice if once you accept Jesus as your LORD and SAVIOR, life became easy. But it doesn’t the thing is it changes your perspective. The problems are still there. You just have a different way of looking at them. Our lives are so fragile, and honestly, no one knows how much time they have here on earth. That is why we have to live as though this is not the end. It’s the beginning of eternity. We have been given a new life. One that will not fade or go away…oh our flesh will fail and be placed in the ground, but the Spirit that is placed within us lives forever. Our relationship with Jesus Christ ensures us that the end of our flesh is not the end of us. The dead in Christ will rise again at the sound of the last trumpet. My point is this a life led by the Holy Spirit. Keeping in step with HIM will change your outlook. Your issues will not destroy you because of the hope you have in Jesus. People can say what they want and press on you for your beliefs, and even if it’s the end of your flesh, it’s not the end of you. Life will get hard at times, and the bible tells us that. It’s how we react in those hard times that set us apart from everyone else. Can you be pressed on every side without collapsing? Can you stand in the face of being persecuted and still not give in? Or does one little thing take you out of your faith? Hear me when I say there will be pressure. That’s how diamonds are made and how you react under that that pressure reveals a lot. The treasure within you is the life of Jesus Christ lived through you. Can you count it all joy when things are not going well? The enemy would like nothing more than to get you to react out of emotions and make wrong decisions. That’s why there is pressure to do so. It’s our responsibility to present Christ in all circumstances. No, it’s not easy. But maintaining our composure is the key to a life in step with the treasure that is within us.
Prayer:
Father, I know I have a lot on my heart right now, and I know that you are the only one who can take this mess this morning and speak to those who take the time to read it. My job is to be obedient to your Holy Spirit, and I believe that I have done that. Now it’s your turn, father. Take this mess and create a message from it that brings people to an understanding of you. Remove our for of this life ending and ensure us that life with you is what comes next. Because with you there is always a next. Help us to be Spirit Led and bible Fed. We do not want to live this life according to our flesh. So help us to put it to rest and walk in step with you. Your son is the treasure inside of us. Let us be a reflection of HIM. We want to be used by you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.