Embracing Our Divine Treasure: Faith in Action

 

Summary

In our journey with the Lord, we are reminded that we are but earthen vessels, jars of clay, designed to showcase the surpassing power of God within us. This power is not of our own making; it is a divine treasure placed within our fragile human frames. We are reminded that our value does not come from our outward appearance or our human capabilities, but from the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. This treasure, the gospel of Jesus Christ, is the same powerful word that spoke creation into existence, that commanded light to shine out of darkness, and that same power now resides in us.

As we navigate through life, we may face trials and tribulations, but we are not to be driven to despair. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We carry within us the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. This means that the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead is at work within us, enabling us to overcome any obstacle.

We are called to rise above our limitations and to see ourselves as God sees us – as vessels carrying His mighty power. We must not allow the enemy to convince us that we are anything less than anointed by God. We must not let the voice of doubt or criticism diminish the treasure that God has placed within us. Instead, we are to boldly step out in faith, knowing that God is with us, just as He was with Moses, Joshua, and the patriarchs of old.

We are encouraged to take a step of faith, to cross our own River Jordans, and to claim the promises God has for us. We must not settle for a life on the banks of the Jordan, admiring the promised land from afar. Instead, we are to walk into the promises of God, knowing that every place the sole of our foot treads upon, He has given to us.

In closing, we are called to action. We are to come to the altar, to leave our places of comfort, and to seek the Lord with all our hearts. We are to pray against the voice of doubt and unbelief, to declare the will of God in our lives, and to believe for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We are to embrace the anointing God has placed within us and to use it to bring about change in our homes, our communities, and our world.

Key Takeaways:

- We possess a divine treasure within our earthen vessels, a treasure that is the Holy Spirit. This treasure is not dependent on our human strength or ability, but on the power of God that works mightily within us. We must recognize and cherish this treasure, allowing it to transform us and the world around us. [07:37]

- Our identity is not defined by our limitations or the world's perception of us. We are defined by the presence of God within us. When we face trials, we must remember that these do not define us; rather, it is the power of God within us that shapes our identity and destiny. [09:23]

- The call to action is a call to faith. We must not be content with observing the promises of God from a distance. Instead, we are to actively step into the promises, believing that God has equipped us to possess every blessing He has set before us. [37:01]

- The power of God does not age or diminish over time. It is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We must not limit God by our own understanding but trust in His eternal power and might to accomplish His purposes in and through us. [11:16]

- We are called to rise and cross our personal Jordans, the obstacles that stand between us and God's promises. By faith, we can step into the fullness of what God has for us, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. This is a promise that extends from the past into our present and future. [33:35]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (ESV)
> "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."

2. Joshua 1:1-3 (ESV)
> "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 'Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says we have a "treasure in jars of clay"? ([04:03])
2. How does Paul describe the trials and tribulations we face in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9?
3. What command does God give to Joshua after the death of Moses in Joshua 1:1-3?
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "River Jordan" in our spiritual journey? ([27:51])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that the power within us belongs to God and not to us? How does this perspective change our view of personal trials? ([04:03])
2. How can the story of Joshua crossing the Jordan River inspire us to take steps of faith in our own lives? ([27:51])
3. What does it mean to carry "the death of Jesus" in our bodies so that "the life of Jesus" may be manifested? How does this concept apply to our daily lives? ([13:06])
4. How does recognizing ourselves as "jars of clay" help us understand our identity and value in God's eyes? ([04:03])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you see God's power at work within you during that time? ([04:03])
2. What are some "River Jordans" in your life that you need to cross? What steps of faith can you take to move forward? ([27:51])
3. How can you remind yourself daily that your value comes from the Holy Spirit within you and not from external achievements or appearances? ([04:03])
4. Have you ever felt like a "jar of clay" – fragile and easily broken? How can you shift your focus to the treasure within you, the Holy Spirit? ([04:03])
5. Think of a time when you allowed doubt or criticism to diminish the treasure God placed within you. How can you combat these negative voices with faith and truth? ([04:03])
6. How can you actively step into the promises of God rather than just observing them from a distance? What practical steps can you take this week to claim God's promises in your life? ([27:51])
7. In what ways can you seek a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life and community? How can you encourage others to do the same? ([44:58])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Treasure Within Us
We are more than what we appear to be. Within our ordinary, fragile selves lies an extraordinary treasure – the Holy Spirit. This divine presence is not a result of our own doing; it is a gift from God, meant to demonstrate His power through us. Our worth is not measured by our physical abilities or achievements but by the Spirit that resides within. This treasure is the same force that brought the universe into being, that commanded light to pierce through the darkness. It is this same power that enables us to face life's challenges without being overcome by them. It is a reminder that we are vessels of a divine legacy, carrying within us the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. [07:37]

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." - 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 ESV

Reflection: How can you allow the Holy Spirit to shine through your actions and interactions today, demonstrating God's power in your life?


Day 2: Identity Shaped by Divine Presence
Our true identity is not defined by our human limitations or by how others perceive us. It is shaped by the presence of God within us. When faced with trials, it's crucial to remember that these challenges do not define who we are. Instead, our identity and destiny are molded by God's power at work within us. This divine power is not weakened by our confusion or persecution; it is the source of our resilience and the reason we are never abandoned or destroyed, no matter the circumstances. [09:23]

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 ESV

Reflection: In what ways might you be defining yourself by your limitations or the opinions of others, and how can you start to redefine your identity based on God's presence within you?


Day 3: Active Faith in God's Promises
Observing God's promises from a distance is not our calling. We are urged to actively step into these promises with faith, believing that God has equipped us to claim every blessing He has prepared for us. This active faith is not passive; it requires us to move, to cross our own River Jordans, and to take possession of what God has promised. It is a faith that does not just look forward to the promised land but sets foot upon it, trusting in God's provision every step of the way. [37:01]

"And Joshua said to the people, 'Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.' And Joshua said, 'Here is how you shall know that the living God is among you and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites.'" - Joshua 3:5-10 ESV

Reflection: What is one step of faith you can take today towards a promise God has placed in your heart, and how can you prepare yourself for the wonders He may do through you?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Eternal Power
The power of God is unchanging and everlasting. It is the same force that has acted throughout history and continues to work in our lives today. We must not limit God with our finite understanding but instead trust in His eternal power to fulfill His purposes. This trust calls us to look beyond our own capabilities and to rely on the might of God that has no bounds or expiration. [11:16]

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them." - Hebrews 13:8-9 ESV

Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you might be limiting God's power due to your own understanding, and how can you begin to trust His eternal might in this situation?


Day 5: Crossing Personal Jordans
We are called to rise and face our personal challenges, the Jordans that stand between us and the fulfillment of God's promises. By faith, we can step into the fullness of what God has for us, assured that He is with us every step of the way. This promise is not just a historical account; it is a living reality that extends from the past into our present and future, offering us the strength to overcome and to claim the land He has given us. [33:35]

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them." - Joshua 1:5-6 ESV

Reflection: What is your personal Jordan that you need to cross, and what practical steps can you take today to begin that journey with God's assurance?

Quotes

1) "God's might and God's power is the same that said let there be light and there was light; it's that same power in 2024 that is able to do it now." [11:16] (Download)

2) "We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; there is a difference when you're going through something and having an ounce of hope that tells you, 'I'm just passing through.'" [13:06] (Download)

3) "Someone needs to change the way they think and the way they see God, and you need to see yourself as a jar of clay but see our God as Almighty and all powerful." [15:02] (Download)

4) "Don't see your value in what the world says about you; see the value of what the word of God says about you." [16:55] (Download)

5) "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." [04:03] (Download)

6) "You are the same jar of clay as your brother or your sister; don't see your value in outward appearance but in the treasure that God has placed within you." [07:37] (Download)

7) "There is something about an anointing; it's totally different. It's something about feeling God's presence and saying, 'I got to go back to that place.'" [09:23] (Download)

8) "That which has been placed inside of you is a treasure; what was able to do then is able to do now." [37:01] (Download)

9) "Don't ever let the enemy convince you that what's inside of you is not anointed; what He's placed inside of you is the mighty power of God." [41:20] (Download)

10) "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon, I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses." [33:35] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?