FIRST GOOD SAMARITAN BAPTIST CHURCH
The Caring Church, Preparing the World by Sharing the Word
Weekly Word
The Christian Contradiction
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
2 Corinthians 4:6-8 ESV
When looking at this passage, there seems to be an apparent paradox being used by the Apostel Paul. He gives us two extremes that seem to be contrary. Paul talks about being afflicted but yet not being crushed or being perplexed and yet not in despair. He speaks of death but yet there is life. When looking at this as a Christian, it seems to be a contradiction. However, what may look to be a contradiction is found within it a great revelation.
As we will discover in the opening words of verse 7, gives us pause to consider the revelation and not so much the contradiction. Paul says that God placed “TREASURE” in “earthen vessels.” This is seems to be a contradiction to place what is so valuable [treasure] to God in such a vulnerable place [earthen vessels-humanity]. The question becomes, “Why would God place what should be treasured in such a flawed vessel as mankind.
Here it is…
God places what He treasured in flawed mankind to reveal His power within mankind. We see this in the continuation of vs. 7.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us
What looks like a contradiction for the Christian is really a revelation from God to mankind. It says to us that when it comes to revealing His glory that we can’t take the credit because while we are flawed, He continues to be FAITHFUL. His faithfulness to trust us with what HE TREASURES will ultimately reveal HIS POWER in spite of our weakness. Paul put it best in 2 Corinthians 12.
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
So what looks to be a contradiction is really a revelation that exposes God’s power that we can never take the credit for. It is in our weakness that exposes God’s power/strength!