II Corinthians 4:8-18
When Our Earthen Vessel Is Broken

Introduction
1. Bob Frantz, my brother-in-law (85 years old), was married 13 weeks ago. Last Monday his wife
died in a tragic accident. Beth went to her funeral on Wednesday.
2. If I were to talk with you, each could relate a similar story. It is a story where fine, Christian
people, but they have had to endure untold suffering.
3. We are pictured as earthen vessels in v. 7. A clay pot is very fragile. We are reminded that
sometimes these vessels will be broken. Our frailty enhances God’s glory. v. 7
4. Are you a broken vessel, or do you know one?
5. II Corinthians 4:8-18 What can we do when an earthen vessel is broken?

Are you a broken vessel, or do you know one? For each earthen vessel:
I. THERE IS COST 4:8-9
He pictures himself as a soldier in the most dire straits:
A.He is the victim.
1.The warrior is surrounded. He is hard pressed, driven from the field. He is struck by the enemy’s sword. He is given over to death.
2.Words to describe this are used: Troubled, perplexed, persecuted, cast down.
B.He is the victor
1.Like the Marine reporting: Enemy to the N. Enemy to the S. Enemy to the E. Enemy to the W. Sir, we are advancing!
2.Troubled on every side…yet not destressed. Perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken. Cast down, but not destroyed.
3.Sometimes God allows our earthen vessel to be jarred and broken, so that some of our treasure will spill out and enrich others. (Eph. 2:8-10) Illus. of the Tea Cup in Sussex, England.

Are you a broken vessel, or do you know one? For each earthen vessel:
II. THERE IS CRUCIFIXION 4:10-12
A. As I Die He Lives 10-11
1. The purpose is given in 10b Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord
Jesus that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal bodies.
2. Christ’s life may be seen in this body! When we die. He is seen! He Lives!
B. As I Die Others Learn 12
Here is an exhibition of the life of Christ in me.
1.He is talking about a deeper death than physical. It is a death to SELF (my will, my way, my rights).
2.Someone as George Mueller the secret of his life: There came a time when George Mueller died, utterly died. He died to all of his selfish plans and ambitions. When George Mueller died, Christ began living through him. This is my secret.
3.Years ago, Steve Green sang a song that expressed this thought: Enter In.
4.If there is no death then bitterness…depression…misery will rear it ugly head. The whole principle: In all situations…every circumstance there is a death to my like and wishes, to my ideas and ambitions and my rights…FOR MY ONLY RIGHT IS TO DO THE WILL OF GOD!

Are you a broken vessel, or do you know one? For each earthen vessel:
III. THERE IS CORONATION 4:13-14
A. Faith 13
1. A spirit of faith…Faith is based on revealed truth.
2. This is not a special gift of faith. I believed and therefore have I spoken. (Ps. 116:10)
3. What is your foundation? What is your basis of hope? You had better know before
vessels break!!
B. Future 14
1. What confidence! It is based on the Word of God!
2. This is all. There is a coronation day coming! His resurrection is a guarantee of our
resurrection…shall present us with you. There is a future reunion of God’s people.
What a day that will be! Poem: A Grand Reunion Coming
3.This isn’t all there is. What is the worst thing that can happen to this earthen vessel? We die…but what if because of the resurrection that (death) has been conquered? Why worry and fret?? God will take care of today and tomorrow. You ask? How do you know? Because Jesus Is Alive!

Are you a broken vessel, or do you know one? For each earthen vessel:
IV. THERE IS A COMPASSION 4:15
All things are for your sakes.
A. The Passion 15a
1. In our society we think that we are here for ourselves. If that be so…when we are
miserable: “Just end it all.”
2. “Why hasn’t the Lord taken me home?” Most likely what that one is enduring may
not be for them, but for a mate, pastors, relatives, neighbors, nurses, etc. As I die to
myself…Jesus can be seen in the weakest vessel!
B. The Purpose 15b
1. As I die others are more important than me.
2. God receives the glory as I fade in importance.
3. How is God glorified in our brokenness? Note: Abundant Grace…that is what is
needed to meet every trial. If it is all of grace: God did it… “Thank You”.

Are you a broken vessel, or do you know one? For each earthen vessel:
V. THERE IS A COURAGE 4:16
A. We Faint Not
1. As in v. 1…Don’t Quit!
2. Discouraged…Exhausted…Spiritless.
B. We Fail Not
1. Our Outward Man Perishes. Last week I turned 78. The Old Gray Mare Ain’t
What He Used To Be! Let’s say we live for this body. Let’s say we live for
ourselves. We wear out!!
2. Our Inward Man is Renewed. Relate this to 3:18. Renewed Progressively… day by
day. One shot won’t do. Brokenness forces me to rely on God. Faints Not…takes
daily, inward renewal.

Are you a broken vessel, or do you know one? For each earthen vessel:
VI. THERE IS A CONFIDENCE 4:17-18
A. Note the Contrasts 17
1. Light afflictions (plural)…Weight of glory. Moment may last 20 years…Eternal
Time is relative.
2. Working Against Us wrong Working for us. Usually, we consider affliction and
adversity (against us). In this view…it is an advantage. Working in that which is
eternal. The Worst Times In Your Life Is Some of the Best Times of Your Life.
IT IS THEN WE NEED HIM! IT IS THEN WE LOSE OUR GRIP ON THIS
EARTH!
B. Note the Concentration 18
1. The things of this world seem so real. As you fasten your hopes on the seen…life
has not meaning and brokenness is a thief and robber.
2. The seen is all temporary and destined to pass away. Don’t live for what you can see
for one day it will all be gone! Don’t get all hung up on the seen…Focus on the
Eternal.

IT IS ONLY AS “I” DIE DO I TRULY LIVE!