2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.

The treasure in earthen vessels

I. Compares the ministers of the gospel to earthen vessels, A vessel contains what is put into it. The vessels of the temple were some of gold, others of silver, and they were consecrated to God. In the most ancient times there were vessels of gold. This may remind you of Enoch. It must have seemed strange to observe one so much devoted to God as he was. He persuaded few. The treasure then, as now, was little esteemed. Silver vessels may represent the prophets. As the vessels of silver were the ornaments of the sanctuary, so were the prophets the ornaments of the Church. Earthen vessels may represent the weakness of man.

II. The gospel is compared to a treasure. The gospel finds man in a state of poverty, and he must remain in the same state unless enriched by it. The gospel is a treasure that the soul can enjoy. The gospel is a treasure which the thief cannot touch. The gospel is a treasure which will not leave the Christian at death.

III. The gospel gains glory from the meanness of the vessels in which it is contained. It is wonderful that such a treasure is in earthen vessels, because it exceeds the expectation of men. God is more observed when the instrument is weak. Such as are furnished with this treasure ascribe it all to the goodness of God. We shall now make a few inferences.

1. Is it so, that there is a treasure? Then it requires diligence to secure it. No man succeeds in this world who is not active.

2. Is it so, that there is a treasure? Then take heed that you do not despise it. When the Spaniards conquered South America, they made it evident that they adored its gold, and they practised every exertion to obtain it. Let the Christian show that he values the heavenly treasure by his diligence in seeking it.

3. Is it so, that this treasure may be obtained by all? Then value it. It is not in the power of all to be rich. (W. Syme.)

Divine power illustrated by the triumphs of the gospel

God designs His glory as the result of the instrumentality He employs. What apparently could be more visionary than the design of Moses to deliver the Israelites? But God chose to illustrate His power by “leading His people like a flock by the hands of Moses and Aaron.” But the twelve fishermen of Galilee appeared, in fanaticism, to exceed all their predecessors. But ere they died they had filled the world with their doctrine.

I. It states an important fact. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.”

1. The depositaries of Divine truth. Need I specify the truths of which they were made the depositaries? They received “Christ crucified”; they were put “in charge of the gospel”; the doctrine of man’s ruin by nature, and his recovery by sovereign grace. These truths are beautifully styled a treasure.

(1) Think on their value.

(2) Think on their magnitude.

(3) Think on their permanence.

There is a sense, peculiar to the apostles, in which they were made the depositaries of this treasure. Most of them had been admitted to personal converse with the Lord of heaven; the Spirit had taken of the things of Christ and showed to them what they had heard.

2. The instruments of Divine agency. “That the power may be of God.” All believers have this invaluable treasure, but to some it is committed with a more extensive design than to others. Jehovah’s wise and gracious plan is that of co-operation, and when He blesses any being it is to make him a blessing. Thus the world of grace corresponds with that of nature. The sun has the treasure of light and heat. Why? That he may shine--may display the glory of God, and show through nature His handy work; may fertilise the ground--may illuminate the system, and shed a lustre which some of tim receivers shall again reflect. The recommendation of Divine truth, according to the station which we fill, necessarily results, not only from the Divine appointment, but from the knowledge of the truth itself. It is a treasure which cannot be concealed.

3. The occasions of Divine glory. “The power”--“the excellence of the power”--reminds us that something worthy of God is produced. What has been the effect upon society. In the metaphorical language of Scripture, “the wilderness and the solitary place was glad for them, and the desert rejoiced and blossomed as the rose.”

II. As the statement of a principle which religion will improve. The excellence of the power is of God. Let us consider it--

1. With reference to God. He will be acknowledged; He has written His name in all His hands have made. Jehovah’s eternal praise is to result from the redemption of a lost world. By it His nature is exhibited, His perfections are displayed, His government is illustrated. By this method He impresses us with the nature and importance of salvation; for we see the necessity of His immediate agency to effect it.

2. With reference to ourselves. “The excellency of the power” is “of God, and not of us.” This conviction is calculated to qualify for the engagement. It is adapted--

(1) To keep us humble.

(2) Therefore the conviction is further calculated to keep us near to Himself.

(3) This principle, further, will prevent our discouragement. “Therefore, seeing, we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.”

3. With reference to our hearers.

(1) It wilt produce in them satisfaction with our message. They will remember that our doctrine and our reproofs are not ours, bug His that sent us.

(2) Again, the belief of the truth in our text will induce our hearers to aid us--to aid us by their prayers. (J. Innes.)

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The gospel treasure in earthen vessels

I. The gospel as a treasure.

1. There are on earth many mines of material treasures, but the mine which contains this is the Word. Here are contained all things which “are profitable.”

2. But while this treasure is spiritual, it is invaluable. “Man knoweth not the price thereof, neither is it found in the land of the living.” And if you ask for the evidence of this, you may see the price that it cost--not silver and gold, but the precious blood of Christ.

3. Spiritual and invaluable as it is, it is an obtained treasure. “We have it.”

II. This treasure is deposited “in earthen vessels.”

III. This treasure is contained in earthen vessels to show that the power is Divine.

1. When God predicted the success of the gospel, He said, “My Word shall not return unto Me void.” When the apostles looked upon their hearers, they said, “The power is of God.” And even now, when the gospel is preached, that mind which authority could not govern, nor vengeance terrify--how often has it been carried captive by Christ! And how excellent is this power! It keeps the heart and mind in the knowledge of Jesus Christ; it is a good hope through grace.

2. Now, had an angel been the depository of this treasure, we might have been ready to give praise to the angel’s eloquence and power; but it is not so now, “for God,” saith the apostle, “hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (J. Alexander.)

The gospel treasure

I. That the gospel of Christ is a treasure indeed, and it is our unspeakable privilege that we have that treasure. The gospel of Christ is indeed a treasure, for--

1. There is in it an abundance of that which is of inestimable value. “The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal them, the onyx, or the sapphire” (Job 28:19). There are treasures of wisdom and knowledge in the truths which the gospel discovers to us. There are treasures of comfort and joy in the offers which the gospel makes us, and the blessings it assures to all believers. These are things of value to the soul of man. And there is an abundance of them, infinitely exceeding that of light in the sun or water in the sea. In Christ there is enough of all that our souls need.

2. This is safely laid up for a perpetuity, and therefore it is a treasure. It is deposited in good hands. It is hid in God--in His wisdom and counsel. It is hid in Christ and in His undertaking for us, which contain all that we need as sinners. It is hid in the Scripture. There it may be found; thence it may be fetched by faith acting on Divine revelation, assenting to it with application and resignation. It is a treasure, for it is laid up for hereafter. The bulk of these riches is that which is reserved in heaven for us--a glory that is to be revealed in due time.

3. It is of universal use to us, and therefore it is a treasure. It is not only valuable in itself, but every way suitable and serviceable to us. It is a treasure in the world; it puts honour upon it, and puts good into it. It is a treasure to any nation or people. It is a treasure in the heart of every true believer who receives it.

II. Ministers are earthen vessels in whom this treasure is put. They are said to have this treasure, not only because they ought to have it in their hearts themselves firmly to believe it, but because they have the dispensing of it to others.

1. They are but vessels that afford no more, no other, than what is put into them, nor can give but just as they have received. God is the fountain of light and life. Ministers must remember this and religiously adhere to their instructions. People must remember this, and not expect more from their ministers than from vessels. We have a gospel to preach, not a gospel to make.

2. They are but earthen vessels. Some think here is an allusion to Gideon’s soldiers, who, advancing to battle in the night, took lamps in their earthen pitchers, with the glaring light of which, upon breaking the pitchers, the enemy was discomfited. By such unlikely methods is Christ’s cause carried on, and yet is victorious. Let us see why the ministers of the gospel are here compared to earthen vessels.

(1) They are made of the same mould with other people. All the children of men are earthen vessels; the body is the vessel of the soul, and it is of the earth, earthy. We are not only children of men, as you are, but we are by nature children of wrath, even as others.

(2) They are oftentimes, in respect of their outward condition, mean and low and of small account, as earthen vessels are not only men, but men of low degree, sons of earth, as the Hebrew phrase is. Their family, perhaps, like Gideon’s, poor in Manasseh. The first preachers of the gospel were poor fishermen--earthen vessels indeed--bred up to the sea.

(3) They are subject to many infirmities, to like passions as other men, and upon that account they are earthen vessels; they have their faults, their blemishes, as earthen vessels have.

(4) They are made of different sorts of earth, as earthen vessels are--all of the same nature, but not all of the same natural constitution. The bodies of some are of a stronger make, and more cut out for labour, while others are feeble, and soon foiled. But those of the finest mould, even the china vessels, are but earthen ones. A great deal of difference there is likewise between some and others of those earthen vessels in respect of natural temper; some are more bold, others more timorous; some more warm and eager, others more soft and gentle.

(5) They are of different shapes and sizes, as earthen vessels, notwithstanding which they may all receive and minister the treasure according to their different capacities.

(6) They are all what God, the great potter, makes them. Therefore we ought not to envy the gifts of those who excel us.

(7) They are all vessels of use and service in the family, though they are but earthen ones.

(8) They are oftentimes despised by men, notwithstanding the honour God has put upon them, and are thrown by as broken vessels in which is no pleasure. It has often been the lot of some of the most faithful ministers of Christ to be loaded with reproach.

(9) They are frail and mortal and dying, and upon that account they are earthen vessels. Thus the apostle explains it here: “We which live are always delivered unto death.” They are worn out with their labours, and are spent in the service of Christ and souls.

III. God has put the treasure of the gospel into earthen vessels that the divine power which goes along with the gospel may be so much the more glorified. The great design of the everlasting gospel is to bring men to fear God and give glory to Him. There was an excellency of power going along with the apostles which appeared to be of God, and not of themselves.

1. To strengthen them for the work they were employed in. To preach down Judaism and paganism, and to preach up the kingdom of a crucified Jesus, was a service that required a far greater strength, both of judgment and resolution, than the apostles had of themselves.

2. To support them under the hardships that were put upon them.

3. To give them success in that great work to which they were called.

Now for the application of this.

1. It may be many ways instructive to us who are ministers, and may remind us of our duty.

(1) Are we earthen vessels? Then we have reason to be very humble and low in our own eyes, and to take great care that we never think of ourselves above what is meet, but always think soberly.

(2) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us not be indulgent of our bodies, nor of their ease or appetites. What needs so much ado about an earthen vessel when, after all our pains about it, we cannot alter the property of it.

(3) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us not be empty vessels. A vessel of gold or silver is of considerable value though it be empty; but an earthen vessel, if empty, is good for little, but is thrown among the lumber.

(4) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us be clean vessels.

(5) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us take heed of dashing one against another, for nothing can be of more fatal consequence than that to earthen vessels--no, nor to the treasure that is deposited in them.

(6) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us bear reproach with patience, and not think it strange, or fret at it.

(7) Are we earthen vessels? Then let us often think of being broken and laid aside, and prepare accordingly.

2. This doctrine may be of use to you all. Are your ministers earthen vessels?

(1) Thank God for the gospel treasure, though it be put into earthen vessels--nay, thank God that it is in such vessels, that it may be the more within your reach.

(2) Esteem the earthen vessels for the treasure’s sake that is put into them.

(3) Bless God that the breaking of the earthen vessel is not the loss of the heavenly treasure. Ministers die, but the Word of the Lord endureth.

(4) Let the glory of all the benefits you have, or may have, by the ministry of the gospel be given to God--to Him only, to Him entirely--for from Him the excellency of the power is.

(5) Let the consideration of the frailty and mortality of your ministers quicken you to make a diligent improvement of their labours while they are continued with you. (Matthew Henry.)

The gospel treasure in earthen vessels

I. The excellency of the gospel. The gospel is described as a treasure for--

1. Its value. By some it is not estimated as a very great treasure; but let a man be convinced of sin, or be threatened with death, and he will prove its value.

(1) Is a Saviour of any value to the lost and the guilty? Why, this is a revelation of Christ and of salvation by Him.

(2) Is free favour of any value to the poor criminal, whereby the judge tells him the king has pardoned him? Then the gospel is precious to such a mind, for it is the gospel of the grace of God.

(3) Is life valuable to a dying man? Then the gospel is precious, for it is the word of life, and he that believeth it hath everlasting life.

(4) Is light valuable? This is “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

(5) Is wisdom precious? All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are summed up in the gospel.

(6) Is not food precious? “I have estimated the words of His lips more than my necessary food.”

2. Its abundance. It is the glory of the gospel that in it atonement is complete. All the influence necessary to apply this gospel with Divine power to the heart is treasured up in Christ. When the Spanish ambassador was shown the treasures of St. Mark in Venice, he immediately groped to find the bottom of the treasure, and a page who was standing by said, “In this my master’s treasure excels yours--in that it has no bottom.” So we say of the gospel. None have ever reached the depth and sufficiency of this heavenly treasure. Millions in all ages have received, and yet there is abundance. There are in it the riches of pardon, justification, sanctification, expectation; and hence proceeds satisfaction. A man is never satisfied till he enjoys the gospel.

3. Its duration. “Riches and honour are with Me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.” Other treasures make to themselves wings, and flee away. Does it announce mercy? “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.” Does it speak of joy? “The ransomed of the Lord shall come to Zion with everlasting joy upon their heads.” Does it tell me of love? It is “the everlasting love wherewith God has loved me.” Does it tell me of strength which I am to receive? Well then, it is “everlasting strength.” Does it speak to me of salvation? “Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation.” Does it speak of the habitations beyond the grave? These are “everlasting habitations.”

II. The instruments who proclaim the gospel--earthen vessels. And ministers are so called for various reasons.

1. As to their origin.

2. As to the estimation in which they are held. They are received by the world only as earthen vessels--their poverty, their appearance. Paul’s bodily presence was weak and his speech contemptible. Moses said, “I am not eloquent heretofore nor since Thou hast spoken unto Thy servant.” Amos was a herdsman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. Peter was a fisherman, Matthew a publican, John Bunyan a tinker, Whitfield a servitor at college.

3. As to their bodily constitution. Are you sick and dying? So are we. Are you subject to infirmities? So are we. Earthen vessels are subject to knocks, to falls, and speedily to be broken; they last generally but a short time. This has been the case with some of the most eminent servants of Jesus Christ.

4. As to their usefulness. An earthen vessel is useful for reception and effusion. Something must be put in, and something must be poured out.

III. The reason why this treasure is given to such instruments to dispense. “That the excellency of the power,” etc. Now, this Divine power is almighty, and therefore not all the powers of hell, of prejudice, of error, of ignorance, of obstinacy and blindness, can stand before it. But it is not a power which subjects an individual against his own will, but it is the power of light discovering darkness to the mind; of mercy showing the way of escape from the wrath to come; of truth overcoming error and prejudice in the mind; of love silently yet effectually drawing the soul to attend to Christ’s voice. (J. Sherman.)