Lord, we thank you for your Word. It’s an honor to share the power and revelation of the Bible by the Spirit of Life! Amen!

Earthen Vessels

[2Cor 4:7]

Have you ever wondered why the Lord didn’t change our bodies (Phil 3:21) at salvation to go along with the miraculous transformation that took place in our hearts? This verse gives us one answer.

2Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

“But we have this treasure” This refers to God’s indwelling Spirit that magnifies, reveals, and forms the person of Christ in our lives (cf. Jn 16:8-14; Rom 8:9; Col 1:27; 2Pet 1:3-4).

“In earthen vessels” This is an emphasis on the human body (cf. 2Cor 4:10,16; 5:1ff; Gen 2:7; 3:19; 18:27). This entire context is a comparison between Paul’s physical earthly condition and the tremendous spiritual power of the gospel and the indwelling Holy Spirit in his life.

Earthen vessels is a metaphor to compare the relative weakness of our bodies to the matchless power of Christ in us. Our bodies are like clay pots that contain the precious treasure of Christ. This figure of speech is not saying that our bodies are worthless, a few verses later Paul says that our body is the temple (a lavishly furnished, holy place) for Holy Spirit (2Cor 6:16).

We are carrying The Light Of The Gospel. God didn’t want anyone to mistake the power that flows through us, as being our own. He wants full credit for this new life.

It glorifies the Lord when His power is expressed through ordinary people.

Those who notice have to say it’s God and not the person doing the works. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;” (1Cor 1:27).

My Confession:

It is not what I am, but who I have! I am inadequate in myself… (2Cor 3:5-6).

It is not just about study tools and preparation for a sermon, it is about a close relationship!

If I lay hands on you for healing, and you receive a miracle, you will give God the glory, because God did it through me. I am just as human as you.

I’ll see you again on the Friday WARFARE Briefing!

God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond