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BIBLE
STUDY LESSON
For
the week beginning Sunday March 11, 2018
TREASURE
IN PERISHABLE CONTAINERS
2
Corinthians 4
The true Christian lives in the face
of physical death here on earth, however, their teachings about CHRIST, results
in others, as well as themselves, obtaining eternal spiritual life with GOD the
FATHER, in Heaven. Our knowledge of CHRIST amounts to possessing “great
treasures” that are held in “perishable containers”.
Our carnal bodies are designed to be
temporal vehicles that serve GOD, while we serve our fellowman. And since our
time here on earth is so short, it is paramount that we take full advantage of
the grace of GOD to apply the methods of CHRIST JESUS in our ministries, and
never give in to the gravitational force of this world and its way of doing
things.
Here in 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, the
Apostle Paul attempts to explain how it is “the message”, rather than “the
messenger”, that is the key to the spreading the Gospel under the New Covenant
that was ushered in by CHRIST JESUS. And so, as messengers, we must be willing
to speak out even if we are not eloquent speakers, or may not be as skilled or
knowledgeable as some others may be. It is not the skill and eloquence of the
messenger that gives the Word of GOD its power, but rather, it is the power of
GOD in the Word that strengthens the messenger.
Here in verses 1-2, Paul gives us some
rules of thumb by which all Christian teachers should live by, if they are to
be successful under GOD and under the New Covenant. This is how Paul suggests that we as
ministers of the Gospel operate under GOD;
·
We should
never give up
·
We should
reject all shameful and underhanded methods or tactics (no human ingenuity)
·
We should
not try to trick anyone
·
We do not
distort the Word of GOD
·
We tell
the truth before GOD
Whenever the Gospel is veiled from anyone,
it is a sign that that person is perishing (v.3). Satan, who is “the god of
this age”, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, and as a result,
they are not able to understand and see the glorious light of the Good News
that is shining directly upon them (v.4). The term “god of this age”, that is
used by Paul in verse 4, implies that the people of this age are voluntarily
willing to submit to and follow satan’s evil directives.
JESUS CHRIST is the exact spiritual image
of GOD, and so the Christian should not go around preaching about themselves,
but rather, they should preach about HIM. The only thing that we should be
saying about ourselves is that we are JESUS’ servants, because of what HE has
done for us, and that, we are voluntarily committed and submitted, totally to
HIM (v.5).
JESUS CHRIST is the light that GOD allowed
to come into this dark world. The light and power of CHRIST in us is “precious treasure
contained in perishable containers (our weak bodies)”. This is so everyone can
see that this glorious power is not our own, but rather, it comes from GOD
(Vs.6-7). It is power that keeps us from being crushed when we are pressed on
every side by the troubles of this world. We don’t give up when we are
perplexed by the gradual moral slide of this world into the abyss of sin. GOD
never abandons us, and so, when we get knocked down, we get up and begin to
tread forward with even greater conviction and determination. Through our
suffering, these perishable bodies of ours actually share in the death of
CHRIST, and HE is clearly seen by others within our actions and tribulations
(Vs.8-10).
We as true Christians have to learn to look
beyond the sin-filled challenges of this world, and into the faithfulness of
GOD. We must rely on GOD to transform us into mature warriors who can glorify
HIM in times of trouble and duress. Suffering for CHRIST sake in this world
will bring immeasurable benefits in the world to come, and that is why we must
never give up. We know that the same GOD WHO raised our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS
CHRIST from the dead will equip us with all that we need to do HIS wonderful
will. And through our work here on earth, GOD HIMSELF will receive more glory.
Although the body of the Christian worker
may be declining and dying with each passing day, our human spirit is being
renewed just as rapidly. Our present troubles that are brought on by our work
for CHRIST in an anti-CHRIST world are quite small when they are compared to
great treasures that we will receive for doing the work of GOD, HIS way. For
our troubles will soon be over, but our rewards and benefits, and all the joys
that comes with them, will last forever.
A Sunday school lesson
by,
Larry D. Alexander
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
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