Finding Fulfillment: The Treasure Within Us
Summary
In our lives, we often find ourselves collecting various items, from guns and knives to Coca-Cola memorabilia and baseball cards. These collectibles, while fascinating, often hold little real value beyond personal sentiment. They remind us of the things we try to fill our lives with, yet they often leave us feeling empty. This emptiness is a common experience, as noted by Dr. Carl Jung, who described a "neurosis of emptiness" prevalent in our world today. Many people attempt to fill this void with work, hobbies, or even negative habits, but these efforts often fall short.
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:7, offers a profound insight into our true purpose. He describes us as "jars of clay," vessels meant to hold something precious. The treasure we are meant to contain is not a thing, but a person—Jesus Christ. This treasure is the hope of glory, the presence of Christ living within us. Christianity is not merely about being forgiven for past sins or securing a place in heaven; it is about Christ living His life in and through us today.
In the Old Testament, God's presence dwelt in the temple, but through Christ, God now dwells within us. This transformation means that we are no longer empty vessels but are filled with the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence empowers us to live lives that reflect God's glory and demonstrate His power. Our fragile, unimpressive jars of clay are transformed into vessels of divine power and grace.
To live out this truth, we must first surrender ourselves to God, acknowledging our limitations and offering our lives to Him. We then invite the Holy Spirit to fill us completely, allowing His presence to overflow in our lives. Finally, we seek to demonstrate God's glory through our actions, letting His power work through us to impact the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Emptiness of Collectibles: Our lives are often filled with various "collectibles" that we hope will bring satisfaction, yet they often leave us feeling empty. True fulfillment comes not from external possessions but from the treasure of Christ within us. [08:25]
2. Jars of Clay: We are described as jars of clay, fragile and ordinary, yet designed to hold a precious treasure. This treasure is the presence of Jesus Christ, who transforms our lives from within. [09:46]
3. Christ in Us: Christianity is about more than forgiveness and future hope; it is about Christ living His life in us today. This indwelling presence empowers us to live in a way that reflects God's glory. [13:10]
4. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit fills us with divine power, enabling us to live transformed lives. This power is not our own but is from God, working through us to demonstrate His glory. [19:03]
5. Living as Vessels of Glory: As vessels of God's glory, we are called to surrender ourselves, be filled with the Spirit, and demonstrate His power in our daily lives. This is how we reflect the treasure we carry to the world. [22:12]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Collectibles and Their Value
[01:28] - Personal Collectibles
[05:29] - The Comeback of Glass Jars
[06:35] - We Are Jars of Clay
[07:26] - The Purpose of a Jar
[08:25] - The Neurosis of Emptiness
[09:46] - Jars of Clay in Paul's Day
[11:56] - The Treasure Within Us
[13:10] - Christ Living in Us
[16:21] - The Indwelling Presence of God
[17:05] - Real Christianity
[18:11] - Demonstrating God's Power
[19:03] - The All-Surpassing Power
[20:55] - Containing the Treasure
[22:12] - Surrender and Filling
[25:29] - Prayer for Surrender and Filling
[27:31] - Living Out the Treasure
[28:16] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 4:7
- Colossians 1:26-27
Observation Questions:
1. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he describes us as "jars of clay" in 2 Corinthians 4:7? How does this imagery relate to our lives? [06:35]
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of "collectibles" people use to fill their lives, and why do these often leave us feeling empty? [00:31]
3. How does the sermon describe the transformation from being empty vessels to being filled with the Holy Spirit? [16:21]
4. What is the "treasure" that Paul refers to in 2 Corinthians 4:7, and how is it described in the sermon? [11:56]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "jars of clay" challenge our understanding of self-worth and purpose? What does this imply about where our true value lies? [09:46]
2. In what ways does the presence of Christ within us empower us to live differently, according to the sermon? [13:10]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming our lives? What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? [19:03]
4. What does it mean to demonstrate God's glory through our actions, as discussed in the sermon? How can this be practically applied in our daily lives? [22:12]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own "collectibles" or things you use to fill your life. Are there any that leave you feeling empty? How can you shift your focus to the treasure of Christ within you? [08:25]
2. How can you surrender yourself more fully to God this week? What specific areas of your life do you need to offer to Him? [22:12]
3. In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you completely? What practices or habits can help you remain open to His presence? [25:29]
4. Think of a situation where you can demonstrate God's glory through your actions. What steps can you take to let His power work through you in that context? [27:31]
5. Identify a person in your life who might be experiencing emptiness. How can you share the hope of Christ with them this week? [16:21]
6. Consider the areas in your life where you feel fragile or unimpressive. How can you rely on God's power to transform these areas into vessels of His grace? [20:55]
7. What is one specific way you can reflect the treasure of Christ to the world around you this week? How can you be intentional about this in your interactions with others? [28:16]
Devotional
Day 1: The Illusion of Fulfillment in Collectibles
In our pursuit of happiness, we often turn to collecting items that hold sentimental value, such as memorabilia or hobbies. These items, while interesting, often fail to provide lasting fulfillment. This emptiness is a common experience, as noted by Dr. Carl Jung, who described a "neurosis of emptiness" prevalent in our world today. Many people attempt to fill this void with work, hobbies, or even negative habits, but these efforts often fall short. True fulfillment comes not from external possessions but from the treasure of Christ within us. [08:25]
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 (ESV): "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?"
Reflection: What is one "collectible" or hobby in your life that you rely on for fulfillment? How can you begin to shift your focus from this to finding fulfillment in Christ?
Day 2: Fragile Yet Purposeful Vessels
We are described as jars of clay, fragile and ordinary, yet designed to hold a precious treasure. This treasure is the presence of Jesus Christ, who transforms our lives from within. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:7, offers a profound insight into our true purpose. He describes us as "jars of clay," vessels meant to hold something precious. This transformation means that we are no longer empty vessels but are filled with the Holy Spirit. [09:46]
Isaiah 64:8 (ESV): "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Reflection: In what ways do you see yourself as a "jar of clay"? How can you embrace your fragility and allow God to fill you with His presence?
Day 3: Christ Living Within Us
Christianity is about more than forgiveness and future hope; it is about Christ living His life in us today. This indwelling presence empowers us to live in a way that reflects God's glory. In the Old Testament, God's presence dwelt in the temple, but through Christ, God now dwells within us. This transformation means that we are no longer empty vessels but are filled with the Holy Spirit. [13:10]
Colossians 1:27 (ESV): "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Reflection: How does the knowledge that Christ lives within you change the way you approach your daily life? What specific actions can you take today to reflect His presence?
Day 4: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit fills us with divine power, enabling us to live transformed lives. This power is not our own but is from God, working through us to demonstrate His glory. Our fragile, unimpressive jars of clay are transformed into vessels of divine power and grace. This indwelling presence empowers us to live lives that reflect God's glory and demonstrate His power. [19:03]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's power to bring transformation? How can you invite Him to work in that area today?
Day 5: Living as Vessels of Glory
As vessels of God's glory, we are called to surrender ourselves, be filled with the Spirit, and demonstrate His power in our daily lives. This is how we reflect the treasure we carry to the world. To live out this truth, we must first surrender ourselves to God, acknowledging our limitations and offering our lives to Him. We then invite the Holy Spirit to fill us completely, allowing His presence to overflow in our lives. [22:12]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to surrender to God? What steps can you take today to allow His glory to shine through you in that area?
Quotes
1. "But have you ever thought of yourself as a jar? Can't really say that I have. But the Word of God tells us, that we are all jars. In fact, Paul wrote about it in 2 Corinthians chapter 4. If you have your Bible so you can turn with me there, the scripture's going to be in. We're going to be looking at one verse of scripture. 2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 7, Paul wrote this, but we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all -surpassing power is from God and not from us. So Paul starts out by telling us that all of us, we are jars. And what is the purpose of a jar?" [07:26] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And understanding that you and I are created to be jars. We're created to hold something, to possess something, to be filled with something. And if we don't have something in us, then we will be empty. And I think that's what explains why so many people in our world today are trying to fill themselves with something other than what they were created to contain. I don't think it's any accident that Dr. Carl Jung said that today there is a neurosis of emptiness in our world. And we find so many people in their lives that are being swept over from young teenagers all the way up to older adults. They're being almost swamped by this great wave of emptiness that they feel." [08:25] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul goes on and says, not only are we jars, but we're jars of clay. Clay. Paul's day, jars were made out of dirt. They were made out of clay, very common materials, which in and of itself is of no value. But that's Paul's day. That's a long time ago. But today, our glass is different, right? Do you know what glass is made of today? Well, they tell us it's a chemical compound called silicon dioxide. Or it's made with sodium ash. Or it's made with quartz. But do you know what the primary ingredient of all of those ingredients are? Sand, dirt, clay. So after all these years, it's still the same thing that glass is made of just common ordinary things and and we do we we camouflage some of that as as fine crystal it's just made of sand just made of dirt and and some people are kind of like fine crystal they're easily breakable and and some are kind of made out of common clay they crumble when pressure comes i like what one writer says we're we're all made in the same mold though some of us are moldier than others yeah we're all we're all jars of just clay fragile breakable in and of ourselves maybe not worth a whole lot but we're all made as jars and to hold something and paul tells us in that verse he said but we have this treasure in jars of clay the jar the vessel is not much in itself but it holds a precious treasure a treasure that is beyond price and what paul's talking about here is it's not a something that we hold but it's a someone that we hold he said this precious treasure that you and i have been given is none other than jesus christ He is that precious treasure. He is that treasure beyond price. Jesus living in us." [11:56] (146 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But I want you to understand, Christianity is more than just about our past. And it's more than just about our future. It's about what Christ wants to do in us right here today. It's Christ in you is the hope of glory. He wants to live his life in and through you. Now, let me give you a little explanation of what Paul was talking about. In the Old Testament, where did the presence of God dwell? In the temple, in the tabernacle. In the tabernacle, in the picture, you had the outer courts. Then you had the inner courts. And then you had the holy place. And then you had behind here, you had the most holy place. And then you had the holies of holies behind. Say, if there's a big screen there. And behind there was... the ark of the covenant and that's where the presence of god dwelt now no one could go back there except a high priest and he could go once a year with fear and trembling right so he could go there once a year where god was that's the old testament but then in the new testament jesus came and guess what god became flesh and dwelt among us so when people saw jesus they saw all so god in fact jesus said if you've seen me you've seen the father didn't he say that shake your head if you you know if i wanted to make sure i was wasn't off there he said if you've seen me you've seen the father so we see that the presence of god dwelt in the bodily form of jesus christ and jesus walked the face of the earth and people saw him they saw god he moved from behind the curtain the curtain was broken and hell he was here in the flesh and jesus lived his life here on this earth and he died on a cross for our sins so that we might have forgiveness for all of our sins and then he was resurrected he was alive again but then as soon as he was alive again he ascended back to the father but then jesus said don't worry i'm not going to leave you as orphans i'm going to send someone to be with you now watch this to be with you and to be in you the presence of his holy spirit Living and dwelling. Now, watch this." [16:21] (144 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "No longer is he in a place. No longer is he dwelling in just one person. But today, the post -resurrection home of the living Lord Jesus Christ is now in you and in me. That's what Christianity is all about. Not just us following some rules and regulations, trying to be a good person, trying to be a moral person, going to church once a Sunday, try as many times as you can. It's more than just that. Real Christianity is coming to the place where we say, Lord Jesus, I open up my heart and life to you. Come and live your life in me. And then live your life through me. That's the treasure that we have been given. The truth of his gospel, the presence of the living Lord Jesus in us. So that now we can go into our world and tell people that where Jesus is, there's forgiveness for all of our sins. Where Jesus is, there's hope. Where Jesus is, there's peace and love and joy and freedom and a future and life not only abundant but eternal. So we go into our world with this Christ living in us. So that we might not only share the good news, but so we might show his power that is at work in and through our lives. Remember, we're just jars of clay, right? We're fragile, we break easily, we're not worth much in of ourselves. But we go out into our world to show not only his glory, but to show his power that is at work within us. Look what Paul says." [18:11] (118 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "But verse 7, but we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all -surpassing power. Stop right there. This all -surpassing power. What was Paul referring to? Different translations translate it different ways. An all -surpassing power. An excellence. An exceeding greatness. Something that is beyond measure. Something that is beyond the ordinary. Something that is above ourselves. Something exceedingly superior. All of those could be translated. One even translated transcendent power. Well, I didn't know what that meant, so I didn't think I'd use it. No, transcendent means something above ourselves. Beyond what we can even think about. It's not the kind of power that tears, destroys. But it's the power which unites us, which harmonizes. renews us which remakes us it's the power of god that is living in us that transforms us from within to without you see it's his power that is at work within us to change us to mold us to shape us to fill us to demonstrate his glory through our lives how can that happen how can you and i go into our world and people actually see jesus in us because we're so good no it's not about us it's about his power that is demonstrated through us as he lives his life in us through his power he changes us and changes and and works through us and lives through us and it's not something that originates within us but it comes from his power that is from god and not from us so you see what he wants to do in you what he wants to do in me is he wants to come in and display his limitless power in his glory through limited and common vessels like you and me he wants to come and he chooses his treasure To be contained in fragile, unimpressive, vulnerable containers like us." [20:55] (154 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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