Pastor Ralph Posted August 13, 2011 Report Share Posted August 13, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? What does the clay jar represent? What does the treasure represent? What’s the paradox here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IvoryEagle Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? Our bodies are nothing more than containers of the gospel as a clay jar is a container for a plant. What does the clay jar represent? Us as a container. What does the treasure represent? The Gospel What's the paradox here? It is in us but not of us; it is not about us. We are just willing containers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted October 16, 2011 Report Share Posted October 16, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? What does the clay jar represent? What does the treasure represent? What’s the paradox here? Here Paul contrasts a priceless jewel with its container. The jewel, or the treasure, is “the knowledge of God … in the face of Christ” (v6). The clay jar in which this treasure is contained, is our body which is subject to decay, and therefore powerless. I think God has done this deliberately to teach us that this all-surpassing power is from Him (v7). This gives us a deepening sense of our own unworthiness compared with the splendour of His message. I can only imagine if this priceless treasure was placed in a strong, permanent body, what fatal consequences it would have; resulting in proud and sinful man. God’s power is made perfect in weakness. The paradox we have here is about power in weakness. Earthen vessels, marred, unsightly, Bearing Wealth no thought can know; Heav'nly Treasure, gleaming brightly— Christ revealed in saints below! Vessels, broken, frail, yet bearing Through the hungry ages on, Riches giv'n with hand unsparing, God's great Gift, His precious Son! O to be but emptier, lowlier, Mean, unnoticed and unknown, And to God a vessel holier, Filled with Christ, and Christ alone! Naught of earth to cloud the Glory! Naught of self the light to dim! Telling forth Christ's wondrous story, Broken, empty - filled with Him! Tr. Frances Bevan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charisbarak Posted October 17, 2011 Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 The earthen jars are us. Some of us are cracked, others nicked, but a willing vessel is one God can use. The treasure of God's Word needs to abide in us & we need to be faithful sharers of this Truth. Yes! It's not about us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raph Posted October 17, 2011 Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? The truth that Paul is seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar is that, it is God's work to have the gospel known to all peolpe. Ministers are just instrument being used to do that work. What does the clay jar represent? The jar represent the ministers who spread the Gospel. What does the treasure represent? The treasure represent the knoweledge of the Gospel. What's the paradox here? The paradox here is that, although ministers know and spread the Gospel, they are human being who can be weak and make mistakes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitar Jim Posted October 17, 2011 Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? We, imperfect human vessels have been chosen to bear the spiritual treasure of the saving power of Christ. What does the clay jar represent? Us, you and me, mortal imperfect people. What does the treasure represent? The power and salvation of Christ. What’s the paradox here? God has made us, the fallen, damaged, easily broken "clay jars" the receptacles of the message of His salvation. He's untrusted His Gospel to us! He could have gotten angels to do it but it's up to us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jwalane Mofokeng Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? The gospel of Jesus Christ. What does the clay jar represent? Our bodies. What does the treasure represent? The treasure represent the greatness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the glory of God made evident through that gospel. It is the very light of God, and the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, reflected in the face of Jesus Christ. What’s the paradox here? That the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anne1151 Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? We are weak, fragile, but God is not. He lives within us to help us, strengthen us. What does the clay jar represent? Us. We are flawed, prone to illness, easily hurt, broken in body, but as long as we are God centered, focusing on God in us, we will endure and outlast these earthly ills and live eternally with God as a whole, healthy servent in Heaven. What does the treasure represent? God. The Holy Spirit is always within us after we are saved. What’s the paradox here? That something so strong, pure and bright can be contained in such a frail, flawed container, and that the container can draw strength and light from its contents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lion of Grace Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? What does the clay jar represent? What does the treasure represent? What’s the paradox here? The truth that Paul is trying to communicate by the analogy of treasure in a pottery jar is that we are like the pottery jar. It's fragile, can be broken and is mostly plain, though even the most beautiful ones are nothing but clay and of the same material as the common ones. The treasure is the Holy Spirit who's power is housed in these common pots (our bodies). He shows, being housed in these clay jars, that the great power is from God and not from us. We are vessels. We pour out the Gospel and we shine the light of the glory of God who is in us. We believe, so we speak and all so "The grace of God that is given to more and more people will bring increasing thanks to God for His glory." The paradox is that such a common thing can be used for something so glorious. The contrast is between us as humans and God in His glory and yet, God is with us, God is in us! I often think of this as reflecting God's character. Like Jesus, coming as a poor baby in a manger was incredibly humbling, when I received the truth that GOD was in a manger, so too am I struck with awe that we, though clay pots, nothing out of the ordinary, fragile and common can house the Holy Spirit. That is very humbling and that He WANTS to live in us speaks of a heart of love and acceptance and purpose for us. Kingdom purpose! For Him! I just think God is amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Q3 (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? What does the clay jar represent? What does the treasure represent? What’s the paradox here? Answer: 1. What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? 2 Cor 4:7-But we have this treasure in clay jars,so that the extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. The TRUTH of the treasure in pottery jar is about the Gospel of God,a great treasure that is within the inside of each true believers,ready to be given to those who hunger and thirst for the word of God.. 2.What does the clay jar represent? It represent every believer. 3. What does the treasure represent? The Gospel of God,the good news of the finished work of Jesus..available for all. 4.What’s the paradox here? It is not about the messenger,IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MESSAGE...it is not about us..it is all about Jesus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 double entry..my apology.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanMary Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar?I believe he desired to communicate that our Holy and risen Savior sent His Holy Spirit to live in those He has redeemed....flesh made from dust which will return one day to dust...unless the rapture of the Church comes first.What does the clay jar represent?Me! A cracked vessel, capable of allowing the God of Glory to shine through the broken places to others.What does the treasure represent?The treasure is the Lord Jesus Christ, Who left the Majesty of Heaven and came down to earth to become a Man....who lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, was buried and rose from the dead, then sent His precious Holy Spirit to live in me, when He returned to the right hand of His Father.What’s the paradox here?The paradox to me is that an all powerful, Holy God would choose to make His home in a fallen (yet now redeemed), still capable of sin, body of flesh...with the task of sharing His Gospel of love to the rest of the fallen world! Simply too amazing to grasp! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary58 Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Well the pot (fragile and limited by time) is us and the treasure (beyond price and eternal) is the "light of the knowledge of the glory of God"... And, while not a classic paradox, the question arises: why would He choose a container that is not much of a stronghold. A treasure should be laid in a strong and beautiful box. Yet, this is what He chose to do and so this clay pot is awed by the honor and responsibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marloes Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 We are the pottery jar, meaning we are weak, and just a vessel for something important, and are not that important ourselves. The treasure is the gospel. Meaning we have to serve and spread the gospel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieCAR Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? That we are vessels just a container that shows forth the light of the glory of God the treasure. What does the clay jar represent? our weakness and fraility. What does the treasure represent? God with all Surpassing power can work through us that is is he who is the power. What’s the paradox here? that we being Inperfect can show that we bear the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Dunn Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? What does the clay jar represent? What does the treasure represent? What’s the paradox here?That as sin natured as our flesh is GODS HOLY SPIRIT resides within us...Human beings,HOLY SPIRIT...That a Being who cant lie,has no sin resides in such a sinful people...GOD BLESS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickledilly Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 The truth that Paul is demonstrating here is that we are earthen vessels, literally and deliberately made of the dust of the earth (Gen.2:7). On our own, we are common containers for common, ordinary purposes – fragile, empty of anything valuable, and unable to fill self. But as Christian believers, we are filled with the unsurpassed, unequalled treasure of the glory of God that is revealed and poured into us through the precious life of Christ. It is that treasure that then makes us valuable, even priceless! The clay pottery jar represents the earthly body that has no redeeming enduring quality about it, meant to be temporary, dark with emptiness. The treasure represents the indwelling glory of God that pours in to redeem, give eternal purpose and worth, and fill with Light. To me, the paradox is that something so common and flawed would be even be considered as a vessel for something so costly and prized above all else. Flawless, holy divinity poured out into corrupt, impure mortality? Who in their right mind would put something so supremely valuable into such an unreliable and frail container?! But the beauty and wisdom of such a thing is that we are MEANT to be broken vessels who release that light and glory into the darkened world around us. Every choice we make to agree with and obey God rather than self is another little blow that chips away another little piece of the earthen in order to release the glorious divine. I've said many times that it's not about me but all about Him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bondservantmccue Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? The fact that an earthen vessel could contain this mighty power of God, is beyond reason in its self. God often allows the vessel to be chipped and broken, that the excellency of the treasure contained, and of the power which that treasure has, may be all His. What does the clay jar represent?The fragile "earthen vessel" is the body, the "outward man". What does the treasure represent? The treasure or "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God."The ancients often kept their treasures in jars or vessels of earthenware. "There are earthen vessels which yet may be clean; whereas a golden vessel may be filthy". What’s the paradox here?God often allows the vessel to be chipped and broken, that the excellency of the treasure contained, and of the power which that treasure has, may be all His. The power not merely comes from God, but belongs to Him continually, and is to be ascribed to him. notes;Jammison-Fausset Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? What does the clay jar represent? What does the treasure represent? What’s the paradox here? We are perishable, Jesus is imperishable, we are corruptible, Jesus is incorruptible, we are mortal, Jesus is immortal. We are earthly, Jesus is heavenly. We are opposite now of what we will be when we go to heaven and be with and have bodies like our hope, our Lord Jesus Christ! God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkerslope Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 Paul is trying to make us understand that our bodies are of the dirt and will one day return to the dirt. Our bodies are not something of great value. The treasure is the Gospel and knowledge of God that indwells us in the form of the Holy Spirit. God has given our body, life. Our body is nothing more than what God has put together with the breath of life. We are dirt, with the spirit or breath of life. The treasure in our body is the embodiment of the Holy Spirit with all His knowledge and what we have learned from the Bible. It is the gift that we can give another person, leading to eternal life. The paradox here is the the, "vessel" is of lesser value than the "treasure" that it contains. No person will put something of value into a container that is not strong and firm. But yet our Lord God has put His treasure into our bodies to have us deliver it to the unbeliever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammie7 Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 Paul is trying to tell us that it is not about the outside of a person He is tell us it the inside that make the different not outer of a person. The clay jar represent the earthly vessel. The treasure represent the power that we have inside. That we are just weak human vessels subject to im- perfection and breakage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quilter Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 1.A MESSAGE THAT SALVATION IN JESUS CHRIST HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ALL WHO BELIVE. 2.GODS POWER AND SPIRIT DWELLING IN US, THOUGH WE ARE WEAK GOD USES US TO SPREAD HIS WORD AND GIVES US POWER KNOWING THAT THE POWER IS HIS NOT OURS KEEPS US FROM PRIDE AND HELPS US TO SEEK HIM DAILY. OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO LET OTHERS SEE HIM THROUGH US. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clabudak Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 The treasure is God which is located inside of the fragile vessel of clay which is the human. The paradox is that weak humans have the supernatural power of the God of the universe living inside of them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruceerobert Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? When the word of God becomes part of us, God resides in our lives daily. And by reading and studying His word daily, we become stronger and more filled. What does the clay jar represent? Those who are faithful in Jesus Christ What does the treasure represent? The word of God which we need to fill up in our lives. What's the paradox here? Without God, we are nothing. When the power of God resides in us, others can really sees it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delivered Posted October 23, 2011 Report Share Posted October 23, 2011 Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? The truth Paul is trying to communicate is that weak vessels made of clay are made strong because of the treasure it holds, therefore they are able to be a light that shines in darkness, illuminating to the world the knowledge of the glory of God, able to renounce things of dishonesty and craftiness, for its not about the vessel, but what the vessel holds. What does the clay jar represent? The clay jar represents the bride of Christ whose goal is to be a useful vessel for Him, her Bridegroom. What does the treasure represent? There is no greater treasure then the knowledge of God's Word in my heart and that of knowing my Bridegroom, who is the image of God Almighty, (Isa 33:6) and that wisdom and knowledge is my stability that makes me strong in my salvation, for the fear of the LORD is the all surpassing power of God that is working in me, a great TREASURE in deed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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