Down But Not Out By Tim Badal

And Paul says in this incredible passage of scripture, the problem isn't Christ. The problem isn't the gospel. It's the container. You see, the treasure is flawless, but the jar is fragile. And so what Paul wants to do in the most humblest of ways is he wants us to own our limitations. Write that down. [00:14:12] (29 seconds)  #OwnYourLimitations

This treasure is Jesus Christ coming into the world and being light in a world of darkness and shining light into our blind eyes so that we could see. It is Jesus, our savior, who brings life to dead men and women walking in their sin. It is this gospel that came forth to the enemies of God so that in Christ, we could become the family, sons and daughters of the most high God. It is this gift. It is this treasure that God extends to all people everywhere, and he commands everyone to repent and draw near to God. [00:12:11] (38 seconds)  #JesusIsTreasure

In the ancient world, clay pots were not decorative centerpieces. They were not heirlooms. They were not displayed in glass trophy cases. The clay pots that Paul is describing himself as were garbage cans. They were sewage containers. They were chamber pots. They carried household and human waste. They were used for what you didn't want to see and you didn't want to keep. [00:17:01] (38 seconds)  #HumbleClayPots

It means serving when you're exhausted. It means giving of your time, talent, and yes, your treasures when you're stretched at every point. It is cross shaped living, absorbing insults without revenge so that people can see Jesus, enduring pressure without quitting so people can see Jesus. It's forgiving instead of retaliating so people can see Jesus. This is what Paul is calling us to. [00:30:38] (26 seconds)  #CrossShapedLiving

Man, if we would do this, our social media feeds would look a whole lot different. Our conversations would look different. The things that we would elevate in our world would look different. The type of leaders we would put in leadership above us would be different if we would make more gladly much of our weaknesses. Why? So that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Paul says this, so that the surpassing power of the gospel would be made known to us. It's not about us. It's about Christ. [00:25:18] (33 seconds)  #PowerInWeakness

You may cross the finish line limping. You may cross the finish line in great pain and sorrow, but your father in heaven will never let you down. He will not let you disqualify yourself from the race. He will pick you up, and he will walk you to the finish line. And in that moment, you will never be the same again. [00:39:58] (22 seconds)  #GodCarriesYou

You see, Derek was down, but he wasn't out. And he knew, with the help of his father that he could finish the race, and little did Derek know. The unique thing is nobody remembers who won the gold medal. Nobody remembers who got the silver or the bronze, but the countless people that have watched and rewatched and told that story recognize that sometimes it is the weak things of the world that God uses to profound and confound the wise. [00:08:54] (34 seconds)  #GodUsesTheWeak

Some of us as parents are telling our kids, follow me, and I'll show you, kid, how to live a good life. Instead, what we should be saying is, listen. Don't follow me. I'm a toilet. I'm a garbage can. Follow Christ. He's the real treasure. Follow him, and you'll find contentment. Find him, and you'll find peace. Follow him, and you will find eternal life. [00:33:37] (27 seconds)  #LeadThemToChrist