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. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
- 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Paul often uses contrasts in his writings, which we see here along with displaying how Christianity can contain paradoxes as well.
When we start reading at verse 7, we first have to ask what “this” treasure is. We found that in verse 6: “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 God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” The treasure is the gospel message of Jesus Christ, but yet it is in “jars of clay.” These jars represent humans, who are fragile, mortal, and broken. Paul uses this contrast to show that while our physical bodies are not perfect, we were made in God’s image and we display His glory. This is the paradox of the Christian experience – the amazing truth of God’s revelation in the gospel message is contained within the limitations of our human frailty.
This simple metaphor emphasizes the source of the power behind the gospel message. While the vessels themselves may be ordinary and easily broken, the power they contain is extraordinary and divine. By using such humble containers, God demonstrates that the effectiveness of the gospel message is not dependent on the strength or wisdom of its messengers but on His power working through them. This challenges our tendency to rely on our own abilities, and it underscores the importance of acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all spiritual power and insight. We do not exist through our own power but through God’s.
In verses 8-9, we see more contrasts that help us apply the metaphor from verse 7, along with the lyrics to a popular worship song from years ago. We see the weakness of Paul (and all human beings) but in that, we see the power of God to preserve him (and us) through all things. Paul lists some of the challenges of following Christ in this life – being hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. But through the power of the Spirit, we can persevere through all these things! We are not crushed, not in despair, not abandoned, and not destroyed.
This is another paradox of the Christian life, which is simultaneously marked by trials and triumphs. The phrase "hard pressed on every side" conveys the sense of being surrounded by difficulties and obstacles, yet Paul quickly adds the qualifier "but not crushed." Here, we see the resilience of the Christian spirit, which can continue on by the hope and strength found in Christ.
The word "perplexed" suggests a state of confusion or uncertainty, reflecting the complexities of life in a fallen world. Yet, even in the face of uncertainty, believers are not left to despair. The promise of God's presence and provision sustains them through the darkest of times, offering a steadfast anchor for the soul. This verse reminds us that while trials may test our faith and endurance, they cannot ultimately defeat us, for we are held secure in the hands of a faithful and unchanging God.
Continuing his catalog of hardships, Paul highlights the reality of persecution and suffering endured by believers for the sake of the gospel. Throughout history, countless followers of Christ have faced opposition, rejection, and even martyrdom for their faith. Yet, even in the midst of such intense hostility, believers are assured of God's unfailing presence and support.
The phrase "but not abandoned" carries with it the assurance that God stands with His people in their hour of need, providing comfort, strength, and courage to endure. Similarly, the image of being "struck down" evokes the sense of being overwhelmed by adversity, yet believers are reminded that they are not ultimately defeated. Just as Christ Himself was raised victorious over death, so too can believers find hope in the promise of resurrection and redemption.
In verse 10, Paul introduces a profound theological concept—that of sharing in the sufferings of Christ. By identifying with Christ in His death, believers participate in the redemptive work of the cross, bearing witness to the transformative power of His resurrection. This is another paradox: dying to self in order to experience the newness of life. The idea of carrying "the death of Jesus" in our bodies speaks to the sacrificial nature of discipleship. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace the way of the cross, willingly surrendering our own desires and ambitions for the sake of His kingdom. In doing so, we become living testimonies to the reality of Christ's resurrection, as His life is made manifest in and through us.
Paul further elaborates on the theme of suffering and resurrection in verse 11, emphasizing the ongoing nature of this paradox. The phrase "always being given over to death" speaks to the continual process of dying to self, as believers daily surrender their lives to Christ, motivated by love for Jesus. The ultimate goal of this process is the revelation of Christ's life in our mortal bodies. As we yield ourselves to God's transforming grace, His presence becomes increasingly evident in our words, actions, and attitudes. This is a testimony not to our own strength or goodness but to the power of God at work within us.
Paul brings his argument full circle in verse 12, drawing attention to the paradox of Christian ministry. When sharing the gospel, Paul and his companions willingly embraced suffering and hardship for the sake of those to whom they ministered. The phrase "death is at work in us" underscores the sacrificial nature of their service, as they expend themselves for the sake of others. The suffering endured by Paul and his fellow workers serves not to diminish their ministry but to enhance it, as their weakness becomes the conduit for God's power. This is the mystery of the gospel—that in dying to self, we find true life, and in weakness, we discover divine strength.
Through the multiple paradoxes in this passage, we see the tension between human weakness and divine strength, suffering and glory, death and resurrection. We are encouraged to embrace the way of following Jesus; it may be difficult, but ultimately it is worth it because of God’s power that will be shown in us. This is the result of living our lives for God’s glory rather than for our own glory, the path of self-denial and sacrificial love.
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