For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4: 6-10, NIV.
Merciful Father and Creator, we are waiting to hear and obey Your will. At this hour please teach us how to do this. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Today we have come to the final portion of our Scripture in this series, “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” This is a rather interesting statement. The apostle quoted something similar, but not the same, in Romans chapter 8, “As it is written: ‘ ” For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (36, 37). Let us observe another such statement, “And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I die every day—I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Corinthians 15: 30, 31). We will spend some time with each text.
A few days ago, we were considering the law of Physics, that sustains that two bodies cannot occupy the same space, at the same time. This thought seems to come to the surface again, as we consider life and death. However, this law seems to suffer a slight modification, when it comes to living the Christian life. The apostle talks about always carrying around “the death of Jesus, so that His life may also be revealed in our body.” How is this done? I humbly submit for your consideration the following thought: Suffering (representing His death), when received as it was intended, many times causes us to die to self; then we become mere channels through which the life of Jesus Christ is revealed to the world (Galatians 2: 20).
“As it is written: ‘ ” For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” This passage seems to speak to the fact that, as we become Christians, the fury that was manifested toward the Master is transferred to us, His followers, “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15: 20); making us constant “victims” of suffering, and even death (many Christians have been martyred for Christ’s sake)! But in this case, death was not the end of the story! It was said of the martyrs, “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” (Tertullian). One Christian would be martyred, and twenty or more souls, would spring up and take his, or her, place! Therefore, they were not really victims, but conquerors! And “more than, conquerors, through Him who loved us!” So are we!
“And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I die every day—I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The apostle seems to be emphasizing the fact that, living the Christian life was dangerous business. His life was in constant danger of being snuffed out for the sake of the gospel. Nevertheless, he knew that after all was said and done, there was a resurrection morning in his future (1 Corinthians 15: 51-55). Therefore, he could conclude: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers [and sisters], stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (57, 58).
The prevailing thought that I seem to hear throughout these passages, is that all the hardships that the Christian faces, all the trials that befall us, and all the dangers that threaten our lives; only serve to promote the efficacy of the power of God to save His people to the uttermost! Notice what the apostle said earlier in our Scripture, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Our God is able! There is nothing too hard for Him! There are no circumstances, no matter how pressing, or threatening, or difficult, that pose a threat to God’s plans! What He promises He will do! I am so glad that it is not the clay, but the Creator, who makes the difference!