Share the Treasure

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

In this chapter, Paul emphasized the solemn responsibility that we have as representatives of Christ — to make the message of the Word of God, the Gospel, plain. He rejected deceitfulness and false speech, and he spoke of the light of the Gospel, which is the glory of Christ. He also spoke about an earthen vessel with a heavenly destiny.

Last Sunday, our Pastor preached a beautiful and powerful message: “A Gift Worth Giving.” What a timely message for Thanksgiving as we are approaching the Christmas season. Many of us give gifts and share — and many people are looking for something.

So what gifts are we giving?

In Acts 3, Peter and John were going to the temple to pray and they were interrupted by the lame man at the Gate Beautiful. He was asking for alms — money — but Peter gave him something much better. Peter said to him, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk.” Immediately the man sprang up and began to walk. He did not get what he wanted — he got what he really needed. He received his healing.

We are in a season of giving and sharing — and this scripture resonated with me after that message:

2 Corinthians 4:7 — “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels…”

Share the treasure.

People are looking for something — and we have eternal truth. The message of salvation in Jesus Christ has been entrusted by God to frail and fragile human beings — that’s us. The focus is not the clay jar — but the priceless treasure inside.

God dwells inside of us and uses us to spread His Good News. He gives us power to do His work. Knowing the power is His should keep us from pride and motivate us to stay in daily contact with God — our Source.

Ephesians 2:10 — We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

We have been equipped — and we must share the treasure.

The treasure is the glorious message of the Gospel. The earthen vessel is our human body. The treasure is the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6 — God commanded the light to shine out of darkness and into our hearts.

He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Let your light shine so God will be glorified.

We have a responsibility to share this treasure.

People are looking for things — everyone wants something. But God’s people have what they truly need. Just like the healed man in Acts 3, many think they need money — but they need Jesus.

We have something to give — especially in this Thanksgiving and upcoming Christmas season.

2 Corinthians 12:10 — “When I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul’s life and ministry were marked by suffering and pain, yet he was sure of this:

God is faithful.

God uses our suffering for His sake as a means of showing His power and reaching others with the truth.

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 reminds us: We may be troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down — but we are never destroyed.

Our physical bodies are subject to struggle — but God never abandons us. Christ has won the victory!

Romans 8:37 — We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

2 Corinthians 4:16 — Our inward person is being renewed day by day.

Our suffering is temporary — but it is producing an eternal glory far beyond comparison.

Share the treasure.

Trials and limitations have benefits:

• They remind us of Christ’s suffering.
• They keep us from pride.
• They help us look beyond this brief life.
• They show our faith to others.
• They give God opportunities to show His power.

We walk by faith and not by sight. Things seen are temporary — things unseen are eternal.

This life is not all there is — there is life after death with Christ.

Father, we praise You this morning for Your Word. Thank You for Your goodness. You have given us everything we need for life and godliness. This gift — this treasure — means we cannot be defeated.

Help us to remain encouraged and to encourage others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.