You are a Jar of Clay – What’s that Mean?

You are a jar of clay. I am a jar of clay. What does that mean?
We also carry a treasure! What is the treasure? What are we supposed to do about it?

Annie Spratt

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (ESV)

Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth holds many profound truths and carries much spiritual weight. Paying attention to his message enriches our spiritual life.

What is the treasure?

Paul mentions the treasure four times in vv. 1-6.

This ministry (v. 1) is the work God has given him to spread the gospel, reach the lost, start churches, disciple new believers and teach the ways of the Kingdom.

Our gospel (v. 3) is the good news of Jesus: his teaching; his death; his resurrection; the way to eternal life; the work of the Holy Spirit. That covers a lot of spiritual truth! It is our gospel, too!

The glory of Christ (v. 4) is the radiance, light, weight (importance) of all he did, his resurrection and post-resurrection appearances especially the one Paul experienced on the road to Damascus.

The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (v. 6) is the experiential knowledge of Jesus. It is intimacy, experiencing him in relationship and the power and light that brings into your life. This part of the treasure is how Jesus reflects the all the attributes of God.

Jars of Clay

The jars of clay are the opposite of the treasure. They are:

Common – used for many purposes and in all places
Everyday – something that is always out there
Perishable – not built to last forever
Fragile – easily breakable
Temporal – once it’s done, it’s done
but very useful and versatile.

Clearly, we are the jars of clay!

What’s next?

The gospel fully realized decidedly demonstrates the power of God not the qualities of the proclaimer (the jar of clay). There must be a recognition of the difference of the two.

This is a clear warning: focus on the treasure.

I saw an article recently from a respected Christian publication that listed the top ten preachers in America! Really? I didn’t even know there was such a thing! Are we captivated by the jar or the treasure?

We have seen them on television over the years – the Charismatic evangelist – really? Are we captivated by the jar or the treasure?

We’ve seen many preachers, evangelists and leaders fall because of focus on the jar instead of the treasure.

We must remember that it is the simple message of the gospel that carries the power of God!

The cost of being a jar of clay

We see a human experience and the manifestation of the power of God. Paul lists four human experiences (the jar) and then how we triumph by the power of God (the treasure).

Afflicted or hard pressed – but, not crushed
Perplexed – but, not in despair
Persecuted – but, not forsaken
Struck down – but, not destroyed

We have real opposition – but, we have real power and the power is greater. No matter what we face in life as a follower of Jesus, God’s power to help us persevere and overcome is so much greater!

We carry the death, the crucifixion in our lives, the life is manifested in us, resurrection life and power. When we die to ourselves we give life to those we minister to.

Our Attitude and our Vocation

Here is the attitude we need and the biblical reality. Everyone is a minister. We all have a responsibility to witness and to make disciples.

It’s all about the treasure and we are just the jar of clay.

We don’t talk about ourselves but Jesus as Lord. It’s not about you but about what Jesus has done for you. It’s about the gospel, obedience and honoring the treasure.

This is a high calling.

You can be a jar of clay for common use. This is the way of the world.
You can be a jar of clay to hold a treasure. This is God’s desire for you.

When we chose to be a jar of clay to hold an unimaginable treasure, it requires devotion to the highest level.

Do you want to be that chosen jar of clay?