Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 363 – 2 Corinthians 4-7-12 – The Life Of Jesus – Growing As Disciples
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. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (ESV)
Jar Of Clay
That us what I am like, of that there is no doubt. What’s that? I am like a jar of clay. How so? I am weak. I am frail. At one time I foolishly thought that I could be self-reliant and self-sufficient. What convinced you otherwise? I experienced all the separation and suffering and sin that is part of living a life without you. I went my own way. I did my own thing. I was discouraged, depressed, and defeated. My sinful life was receiving its payment in full, which is death. I was bruised and battered and broken by the life I was living without you. What happened to you? You turned my life around. You drew me to yourself. You helped me to turn my life over to you. I left my sinful life in the world so that I could love and follow and serve you. You gave me a new life to live. You filled my life with hope and peace and joy. You made me to be your child. You adopted me into your family. You filled me with your Spirit. You are helping me to know you. I am now living in an intimate relationship with you. I can hear your voice speaking to me. You are leading me through life. Now, nothing that life throws at me can stop me. You are with me to help me. You are sustaining and strengthening me. You are empowering me to live the life you have called me to live. Yes, I have done and will continue to do all these things for you.
In your jar of clay do you carry a treasure? Yes, I do. You live in me by your Spirit. You have given me a valuable message to share with others. Because I am weak, your power can be seen. Because I am weak, others can see that you are living and working in and through me. Because I am weak, your light and life can shine through me in the darkness of this world. Because I am weak, others will come to know and love and follow and serve you as I rely on your power to fulfill your purpose and accomplish your plans in and through my life. Yes indeed, you do have this treasure in you. Keep on relying on me. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.
Lord, there is no doubt. I am weak and like a frail clay pot. Yet your treasure is in me. You have filled me with your Spirit. You are working in and through me to fulfill your purposes and accomplish your plans. I will rely on you to sustain and strengthen me. Amen
Key Question… Why would it be a foolish and tragic mistake to live your life solely under your own power?
Living It Out… Rely on the Lord to work in and through you to fulfill His purposes and accomplish His plans.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will powerfully work in and through your life.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are relying on the Lord to powerfully work in and through you.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on the Lord to work in and through you to fulfill His purposes and accomplish His plans.
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