Bible Study 4: Treasure in Jars of Clay (2 Corinthians 4:1-18)
You may have heard the expression “He was so heavenly-minded that he was of no earthly use.” Well, I would like to begin by saying that that expression is not true. To be of earthly use you need to be heavenly-minded. There is no such thing as a person who is so heavenly-minded that they are of no earthly use. Of course, what is meant by the expression is that a person can walk around with his or her head in the clouds meditating on heaven and ignoring this world and its inhabitants.
Paul continues his defence of himself and his ministry. With such a glorious ministry described in chapter three, he does not get discouraged. Instead, he has renounced the use of deceitful tactics and openly proclaims the truth (1-2). If the gospel seems veiled, it is only to those whom Satan has blinded so they might not understand something clearly at last of the gospel (3-4). Paul is simply preaching Christ Jesus as Lord and considers himself as a servant for their sake. He humbly realizes that it is God who has shone in his heart so he might share that light of the gospel with others (5-6).
As magnificent as this "treasure" may be, he is simply an "earthen vessel". As such he experiences great suffering in his ministry, but he knows that God allows it so that the "life of Jesus" (the power of God) might be manifested in his mortal body by the way he endures it and that such grace from God might cause much thanksgiving to the glory of God (7-15). In addition, he does not lose heart because his inward man is renewed daily by the knowledge that affliction is light and temporary compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits him, and by keeping his focus on things that are unseen but eternal (16-18).
2 Corinthians 4 continues the discussion from the previous chapter about the transformation experienced by those who perceive God's glory in Christ. Some people are unable to see it due to their sins and the influence of the god of this world. Paul acknowledges that he and his co-workers are like fragile clay jars containing the valuable message of God's grace through faith in Jesus. They remain steadfast, as God provides support during tough times and will eventually resurrect them. In heaven, the suffering of this life will be incomparable to sharing God's glory eternally. Chapter 5 introduces the concept that believers in Christ anticipate something far better than this world.
Therefore, focus on what is permanent and eternal, and with your friends learn together how to remain encouraged.
The Aims of the Chapter
1. To understand Paul's honesty and view on service.
2. To recognize why some people are blind to the obvious.
3. To gain insight into the reasons God permits His followers to endure suffering.
4. To uncover Paul's method for keeping strong and not losing heart.
Bible Study Questions
Breaking the Ice: Looking at life around you causes you extraordinary joy and great sadness. What might cause you to lose heart now with life, church, and the world?
Q1. Read v1-6. Verse 1 starts with “therefore.” What is it referring to?
Q2. In v1-6 what did Paul mean by the phrase “lose heart”? How does Paul say we are kept from losing heart?
Q3. Look at v3-4. What does Paul say is the spiritual cause of this heart covering? Who is “the god of this age”?
Q4. Looking at the passage, what are some of the strategies ‘the god of this age’ uses to blind the minds of unbelievers?
Q5. In verse 6 Paul talks about light. What is the light and where does it come from?
Q6. In v7 Paul tells us about the treasure being kept in jars of clay. Why did he use this picture? What is being kept in the jars?
Q7. “Paul was down but not out!” In v7-12 can we see what purpose sufferings played in Paul’s life and the benefit it was to the Corinthian Church?
Q8. What do we see in v13-14 that motivated Paul to preach the gospel despite hardship?
Q9. According to v15, why did Paul share the gospel with the Corinthians? What did he expect the Corinthians to do as well?
Q10. How might this passage strengthen and encourage Christians who are facing a time of suffering and persecution?