The Evangelism Arena; Insights From 2nd Corinthians 4Sample

Day Eight: The Treasure

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us (2 Cor. 4:7, ESV).

The gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16). When you and I trusted in Christ, the treasure of God’s Son, and the power of God’s gospel came to reside in us, the jars of clay (earthen vessels). This does not diminish the value we have as people made in the image of God. It just accentuates further God’s ongoing role in evangelism. As God shines the light of his glory in the face of Christ into our hearts, he also places a treasure within us... his Spirit and the light and glory of his gospel. As a result, every believer is divinely equipped as a witness for Jesus.

The word surpassing means to exceed or go beyond. Hence, God’s “surpassing” power goes beyond any power we can imagine. Whenever we share our faith, we participate with the Lord as he appeals through us with this power. Our sufficiency (adequacy or competence) to share the gospel is not a result of who we are, how much we know, or how long we’ve been a believer. Neither is it the result of how qualified we may or may not feel. And while it’s good to keep growing as a witness for Christ, our sufficiency is based on the Lord who’s working through us, even when it appears otherwise (2 Cor. 3:5-6).

At times, when I’m driving South, I’ll pass through a turnpike tunnel that took five years to build. Many powerful explosives were needed to construct this roadway. It didn’t develop overnight. Likewise, when a person trusts Christ, it normally doesn’t happen overnight. God’s surpassing power may not cause an immediate “salvation explosion” in a person’s heart...but it will accomplish a purpose. Perhaps this is the Lord’s mercy at work, allowing more believers to participate in evangelism. Even during discouraging times of growth, which will someday be rewarded (2 Cor. 4:8-18). Whatever it may be, the Lord has given us “this ministry” as a gift. The gift of joining him as he seeks the lost through you and me. May this encourage us to keep sharing our treasure with others.

Reflection: What’s the next step for you in evangelism? How does having this treasure give you a godly confidence to take that step?

Further Study.

2 Cor. 3:5-6
2 Cor. 4: 8-18
Luke 6:22-23