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2 Corinthians 4:6, 7 - Do You Glow?

2 Corinthians 4:6, 7 - Do You Glow?

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (ESV) For God, who said, "Let light shine 
out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the 
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have 
this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power 
belongs to God and not to us.  

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT) For God, who said, "Let there be light 
in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we 
could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves 
are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This 
makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.  

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (AMP) For God Who said, Let light shine out 
of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the 
Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory 
of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the 
face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 7 However, we possess this 
precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] 
vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power 
may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.  

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (TLB) For God, who said, "Let there be light 
in the darkness," has made us understand that it is the brightness 
of his glory that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But this 
precious treasure--this light and power that now shine within us --is held 
in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone 
can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not 
our own.  

CONTEXT

2 Corinthians 4:1-6: The Light of Gospel. ESV
2 Corinthians 4:7-18: Treasures in Jars of Clay. ESV

COMMENTARY

   God spoke the light into existence by a single command (Gen. 
1:3; Ps. 33:6, 9). His first recorded words brought forth light where 
there had been only darkness (Gen. 1:2). Not only did God create 
natural light, He sent His Son to be "the light of the world" (John 
8:12). All physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual light have 
their origin in the Father of light (James 1:17). By very nature God 
is light (James 1:17; John 1:4, 5)... 
   The very One who created the sun to illuminate the primeval 
darkness of this world also provides the light of truth to enlighten 
benighted minds (Ps. 119:105). As the spoken word of God brought light to 
a dark world, the living Word, as set forth in the written Word, 
commands the light of heaven to shine into darkened souls... 
   The purpose of God's shining into men's hearts is to give 
light, the purpose of the light is to acquaint them with the knowledge 
of the divine glory, and the purpose of the knowledge of the divine 
glory is to save them... [SDA Bible Commentary] 

   Knowing God and having Him reside within you is a treasure of 
infinite value. Jesus likened this value to that of a perfect pearl. The 
collector would readily sell everything he had in order to possess this 
one matchless pearl (Mt 13:45-46). Your relationship with God places 
an immeasurable value on your life. The treasures of God's wisdom 
and knowledge are available to you through Christ (Col 2:2-3). His 
love now fills you. His incomprehensible peace surrounds your heart 
and mind (Phil. 4:7). When Jesus dwells in your life, everything 
available to Christ dwells within you (Eph 3:19). 
   Paul was comparing our lives with the clay pots commonly used 
in his day. The contents of the earthen vessels, not the containers 
themselves, were of great value. The jars would become chipped and broken 
and would deteriorate over time, but nobody thought of the jar - 
they were interested in its contents. Paul noted that our great 
possession is that which God has placed within us. When people focus on us 
they see a frail, imperfect, and deteriorating vessel. Nothing that 
comes from our flesh is worthy of praise. Our bodies are aging and 
losing strength (2Co 4:16). Only as we allow God to fill us and renew 
our inner self will people see a treasure of immeasurable worth. 
   Don't focus on outward appearances and physical strength, for 
these deteriorate. Rather, allow the Holy Spirit to convince you of 
the infinite treasure that is within you because of God's presence. 
[Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and Richard Blackaby re 2Co. 4:7] 

   The safety video on an airplane reminds us that if the oxygen 
masks fall from the overhead compartments, parents should put on their 
own masks first before helping their children. It seems selfish, 
doesn't it? A parent taking care of his or her own needs before trying 
to save the life of the child sitting in the next seat? That goes 
against our instincts. But the reason for the me-first approach is 
obvious: if the parent passes out, there is no one to help the child.  
   Some of us tend to pour out our lives for others without 
taking care of ourselves. Though God has called us to be carriers of 
His Presence into this world, we often go into the world without 
having cultivated the Presence. We neglect the flame within us, and the 
result is a host of burned-out God-carriers who have only normal human 
capabilities to offer. But the world is already full of normal human 
capabilities. It needs more of God's nature. It needs people who can impart 
God's peace, speak His truth, access divine strategies, and carry His 
power. And in order for that to happen, we have to cultivate His 
Presence within us.  
   Pouring out for those around you is a vital part of the 
calling God has placed within you, but if you aren't pouring out the 
life of God, you're pouring out yourself. That's admirable, but it 
isn't enough. You're a vessel that contains God, a priceless treasure 
in high demand. One of the greatest mission efforts you can ever 
make is to cultivate the Presence within yourself. Only then can you 
offer Jesus to the world.  
   Jesus, it's amazing that I can embody You - that this jar of 
clay carries such a priceless treasure. But Your Word says it's true, 
and I don't want to waste one bit of the treasure. Stir up Your 
Presence in me so I can carry You into a world hungry for what You offer. 
[The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional by Chris 
Tiegreen re 2Cor. 4:7] 

GLOW Presentation: 

http://institutefortransformation.com/media/GLOW_Presentation.pdf