The Bible Speaks: Paul's Letters - Crystallizing Key Concepts for the New Church - AFC 1997

Treasure Hunt

2 Corinthians 4:1­15; Matt. 20:16; Luke 9:24

In facing the reality of our weakness, we are able to best have life.

Paul provided crystallizing metaphors for the new community. This set out conceptual handles for the new church to share, and became part of the foundation for its identity.
€Body of Christ
ˆTreasure in Clay Jars
€Citizenship in God's realm
€New Creation
€Shining stars

Bubba story - progress came after surrender


God provides treasures in grace well beyond what is our due. We may be either the recipients or channel for this grace. In either case, we had best remember that the treasure is not of our making or possessing; we are but the common fragile container, a clay pot. To claim or act otherwise distorts and pollutes the treasure.

strength in weakness
life in death
God's rightness in our brokenness How can this be?
hope in the darkness
attainment that is selfless

€Have any goals?
€Have any serious aspirations?
€What are the advantages of setting firm goals and working toward them?
€How does the concept of surrender or sacrifice affect one's striving for specific goals?
€Is goal-setting more or less "biblical" or "spiritual" than living without established goals?
€Have you experienced the transforming power of God revealing treasure in clay pots?


Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and body‹both in initiative and response.