Treasure in Clay Pots – Five Principles for Preachers
Pastoral ministry can create a quiet pressure to appear stronger than we are. People look to pastors for wisdom, stability, courage, and faith. Over time, we may begin to believe that effective ministry depends on maintaining an image of constant strength. We can also wrestle with our own image and pride. H.B Charles writes,
I still wrestle with the temptation to want to “be somebody.” I constantly need to remember what I am and what I am not. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay,” said Paul, “to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
God uses weak people. The message of the gospel is magnificent. The messengers of the gospel are not. If God is not using you greatly, it has nothing to do with the fact that you are weak. In fact, the problem may be that you are not weak enough. Think about that.
God uses weak people, not gospel superstars. We are weak and fragile clay pots at the Master’s disposal to convey the treasure of the message of Jesus Christ. God uses weak people because He wants everyone to see that the power is His alone (2 Corinthians 12:9). [Charles Jr., H.B., On Preaching: Personal & Pastoral Insights for the Preparation & Practice of Preaching].
Paul offers a vivid picture and philosophy for us to take to heart in 2 Corinthians 4:5–12. He describes servants of Christ not as impressive monuments, but as ordinary clay pots carrying an extraordinary treasure. That image is both humbling and deeply encouraging. Here are five principles we can take to heart as pastor-preachers…
1. Make Christ the Center of the Message.
2 Corinthians 4:5 - “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
The preacher should be visible enough to communicate truth but never become the treasure people are asked to admire. Consider: “When people hear me preach, are they more impressed with the preacher or more captivated by Christ?”
2. Depend upon God’s Power, Not Your Ability.
2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts.”
Preachers can explain the gospel, but only God can open a spiritually blind heart. The God who created light in Genesis is the God who creates spiritual life in sinners. This truth does not diminish preparation. We should study carefully, organize clearly, and communicate effectively. But preparation cannot replace dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Make a list with two columns. One the left side, write down what you can do. On the right side, write down what only God can do.
3. Remember That You Are the Jar, Not the Treasure.
2 Corinthians 4:7 - “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
Clay jars were common, fragile, and inexpensive. Paul uses this image to describe himself and every other servant of Christ. God places His glorious gospel in ordinary, limited people so that there can be no confusion about the source of the power.
4. Expect Pressure without Assuming Failure.
2 Corinthians 4:8–9, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”
Paul does not pretend that ministry is painless. He acknowledges pressure, confusion, opposition, and injury. Sometimes we can interpret difficulty as evidence that we are failing. A difficult season does not necessarily mean you are outside God's will. Sometimes faithful ministry is hard precisely because it is faithful ministry.
5. Proclaim the Strength of Jesus in Weakness.
2 Corinthians 4:10–12, “…always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may 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.”
Paul’s weakness made clear that his strength was from the Lord. We do not talk about weakness so people will admire our authenticity. We acknowledge weakness so people will admire our Savior. Biblical vulnerability points beyond the preacher to the sufficiency of Christ. I heard Allistair Begg say, “If dependence is the objective, then weakness is an advantage.” May the Lord encourage us as we keep pressing on by depending on Him.
On a final note, I hope you and others from your church family will make plans to join us for the SBCV Annual Homecoming for a great time of encouragement in the Word and mobilization to reach our neighbors and the nations – November 8-10 at The Heights Baptist Church.