Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Corinthians+004
CHAPTER 4 (ESV)
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 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. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.
REFLECTION:
- Paul was contrasting the weak and ordinary character of the messenger with the overwhelming power of the message. Paul found himself under pressure, perplexed, persecuted, knocked to the ground. Everything in his experience reminded him that the dynamic power that had marked his ministry had no source in him. He credited Jesus, who saves all those who believe in Him, with the fact that despite his weaknesses he had not been crushed, nor drowned in despair, nor abandoned or destroyed.
- Don’t let a sense of personal weakness keep you from serving God. The fact that we are weak is the backdrop against which the incomparable power of God is revealed.
- Sing (or read) quietly this hymn as a prayer to God:
I am weak but Thou art strong Jesus keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk let me walk close to Thee
Just a closer walk with Thee grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee oh let it be dear Lord let it be.
PRAYER:
- Come before God with a grateful heart, recognizing that everything I have achieved is from God, even my breath of life is a gift from Him; give all praise and glory to Him.
- Cry out to God for my weaknesses, asking Him to grant me strength so that I can overcome my weaknesses, crucify my old self, and allow my new life to continually grow, becoming more and more like my Lord Jesus Christ.
HYMN:
I am weak but Thou art strong – youtu.be/-ARRg9IS9QM
