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Gospel In Earthen Vessels 2 Corinthians 4.1-12 Background:
Paul preached at I)
The Greatness of the Gospel A)
Its source, vv. 2,5 1.
To pervert the Gospel is to sin against God. 2.
When man tries to change the word of God they are really seeking to change the
very nature and attributes of God. a.
Why have some translations changed “God the Father” to “God the person?”
They want to change how we thing and what we think about God. 3.
We have the responsibility to handle accurately the Gospel, 2
Timothy 2.15. B)
Its power to save, Romans 1.16-17 1.
Not only has the Gospel been given to all, all the Gospel has been given, Jude 3 2.
Nothing else can equal to or be a substitute for the Gospel. Acts
4.12 C)
Its price, Hebrews 11.35-40 1.
We see the battlefields or 2.
We read of those in the Bible that were ship wrecked, beaten, stone, etc. We
should not take the Bible for granted. Galatians
6.17 II)
The Vessel A)
The Vessel is not important 1.
It is a carrier, a container. Usually we throw away the packaging because its
value compared to what is inside is miniscule. a.
Paul understood that he was nothing compared to the Gospel. b.
We should not get caught up in the messenger instead of the message. (Preacheritis)
2.
The vessel is useful and does provide value, vv. 8-9 a.
It carries and protects the product (Gospel) b.
I remember hearing B.G. Hope in a gospel meeting. Here was an old man, trembling
hands, fingers with arthritis, and nearing his end. He was a good vessel. c.
The enemies could hurt the vessel, Paul, but not the gospel, v. 10 B)
The vessel was formed and chosen by God, Romans 9.20-24 1.
Paul preached because God chose him. Paul did not run for the office of
“apostle” but God selected him, Galatians
1.12,15-17 2.
We also are vessels in service to God. a.
What are we doing? 1 Corinthians 9.16 b.
Are we allowing God to mold us, Jeremiah 18.1-6,11 3.
A good vessel is one that is well worn. 4.
Are we living by the standard we preach,
1 Corinthians 9.26-27 III)
The Responsibility of the Vessel A)
Each vessel has a function, 1 Corinthians 12.18-20 1.
Some are to preach, some to teach, to sing, prayer, and some do other things. 2.
We are to make ourselves useful. a.
Don’t wait to be asked. b.
Volunteer your services B)
We are to carry the gospel by our manner of life, vv. 16-18 1.
What is the value of eternal life? 2.
So what if the vessel is worn out? a.
Think of Paul’s pain, life, death; was it worth it? Paul thought so. b.
Remember, people are lost without the Gospel. V)
God Will Cast Away Some Vessels A)
Jeremiah 19.10-11 God can use somebody else but He prefers to use you. B)
2 Corinthians 4.14 the vessel can go to heaven. Conclusion:
Story of Christmas tree that was cut down. Some were burned but one as used and
became a toy. |