EXPOSITION:
We want to examine the statement “treasures in earthen vessels” and their implications for our relationship with Jesus. What was the “treasure” Paul spoke of? Why did he say it was in “earthen” vessels. This treasure is the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ or the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4,6).
Earthen vessels are jars or containers made of clay. Jar of clay or earthen vessel is a figurative description of the human body as formed of clay (Gen. 2:7; 3:17) and thus is frail and feeble.
The gospel is the treasure and we are just ordinary vessels carrying this great treasure so that even in all our afflictions and weaknesses, the excellency of God’s power may be manifested.
Your insufficiency and ordinariness is not a liability, it is an asset as you carry great value for which God uses to affect generations. Like a jar of clay, our lives are ordinary, but we can be filled with the brilliance of the power of God if we simply surrender ourselves to live as vessels (or carriers).
God has chosen to use you just as you are. Allow yourself to be transformed by the power of the gospel and become a channel for the release of this treasure. Jesus is the true treasure within us. Therefore, as carriers of this treasure, we must direct the attention of the nations we seek to possess to the contents and not the container. God must be exalted above all including ourselves.