More Than Enoughਨਮੂਨਾ

Today we’ll read one of the most famous passages in 2 Corinthians. Although you may know it well, reading it in context will likely give you new insights into Paul’s message. Remember, Paul was defending his apostleship, describing true gospel service, and exploring what enabled his steadfastness despite the difficulties he faced.

As you read, consider your own labor in the name of Jesus. Whatever the setting or situation, you likely face difficulties and uncertainties as you seek to serve Him. Paul offered a beautiful picture that illuminates the secret to remaining steadfast in that service.

Begin by reading 2 Corinthians 4:7-11.

What Does The Passage Say?

In verse 7 Paul says that we have treasure in clay jars. He also clarifies we have this treasure: “so thatthis extraordinary power may be from God and not from us” (emphasis added).

The list of Paul’s hardships in verses 8-9 is the first of four such lists in the book of 2 Corinthians. Each hardship listed in these verses was written in present tense, indicating they were currently ongoing, and could be expected to continue in the future. In other words, similar hardships can be expected for Christians who seek to serve Jesus.

Read Paul’s hardships list in verses 8-9 and take note of what Paul had experienced, was experiencing, and would experience. Hardship lists were common among philosophers’ writings in the ancient world, emphasizing the sufferer’s moral fortitude, strength, or indestructibility. In contrast, Paul used his hardships to emphasize God’s power and strength and Jesus’s death and life at work in him (vv. 7,10-11).

What Does The Passage Mean?

In the ancient world, clay jars were common, everyday containers used to store and transport food or liquids. Made of hardened clay, they were fragile and easily broken. But because they were inexpensive, they were also seen as ordinary, everyday vessels. Our modern day equivalent might be ceramic or glass bowls we primarily use to store leftovers.

However, clay jars weren’t always used to hold ordinary, disposable things. Sometimes people would hide their prized family treasures inside a clay jar. It was one of the most unassuming spots possible and would most likely avoid detection by thieves.

In Paul’s analogy, the treasure represents God’s power, while the clay jar represents us. This analogy is highlighting our weakness. According to the passage, why does God hide His power in a weak person? What does this tell you about God and about yourself?

Understanding word definitions is extremely important in biblical interpretation. To gain clarification about Paul’s hardship list, read the following definitions:

Afflicted: facing internal pressure from difficult circumstances

Crushed: confined or limited in activity

Perplexed: confused or uncertain as to why difficulty is happening

In despair: experiencing intense doubt to the point of hopelessness

Persecuted: being pursued or driven away by harmful means

Abandoned: experiencing lack of care in the face of potential harm

Struck down: knocked to the ground

Destroyed: killed

The key verse that all others rest on in this section is verse 7: “Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” Here, Paul emphasized a dichotomy between weakness and power. We are weak jars of clay, but God’s power is hidden inside of us, like a family treasure. The treasure and power is God Himself—the Holy Spirit.

While we experience hardships in life and service, God’s power enables us to endure whatever comes our way. We carry the death of Jesus—or, using Paul’s words, we share in His suffering (2 Cor. 1:5)—so that others may know and share in the power of His resurrection. Notice that weakness, ordinariness, and suffering are God’s chosen vehicles for His power, extraordinariness, and glory to shine. It’s difficult to wrap our minds around the paradox of God’s power being displayed in our weakness, but it’s the way God works. And through His power we endure!

How Must I Respond?

The key theme of this passage is God’s extraordinary power working in our weakness. How does knowing God uses our weakness to display His power enable you to be steadfast?

One way God reveals to unbelievers the resurrection life of Jesus that is available to them is by His followers being willing to suffer (experience or display weakness) for the sake of Christ. Are you willing to experience or display weakness? If not, how might this hinder you from understanding the gospel and demonstrating and proclaiming the gospel to others?

Paul expected his hardship to continue. Do you expect hardship? How might expecting or not being surprised by hardship affect your endurance?

Wrap up your study today by reflecting on your answers to these questions and asking God to help you align your life and thinking with His will.