Treasure in Weak Vessels
We have this treasure in jars of clay.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:7
+
Treasure in Weak Vessels
Satan is raging so ferociously, filling everything with turmoil and scandals, and stirring up the whole world against us. Therefore someone may say that it would have been better to be silent [about the doctrine of justification], and that then none of these evils would have arisen. We ought to set greater store by the favor of God, whose glory we proclaim, than by the rage of the world, which persecutes us. For what are the pope and the whole world in comparison with God, whom we surely should praise and to whom we should give preference over all creatures? In addition, the wicked increase the uproar and the scandals which Satan arouses in order to crush or at least to distort our teaching. We, on the other hand, emphasize the comfort and the inestimable fruit of this doctrine; this we vastly prefer to all those turmoils, sects, and scandals. We, of course, are small and weak; and we are carrying a heavenly treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7). But though the vessels may be weak, the treasure is infinite and incomprehensible.
From Lectures on Galatians (1535) (Luther's Works 27:19)
2 CORINTHIANS 4:7
+
Treasure in Weak Vessels
Satan is raging so ferociously, filling everything with turmoil and scandals, and stirring up the whole world against us. Therefore someone may say that it would have been better to be silent [about the doctrine of justification], and that then none of these evils would have arisen. We ought to set greater store by the favor of God, whose glory we proclaim, than by the rage of the world, which persecutes us. For what are the pope and the whole world in comparison with God, whom we surely should praise and to whom we should give preference over all creatures? In addition, the wicked increase the uproar and the scandals which Satan arouses in order to crush or at least to distort our teaching. We, on the other hand, emphasize the comfort and the inestimable fruit of this doctrine; this we vastly prefer to all those turmoils, sects, and scandals. We, of course, are small and weak; and we are carrying a heavenly treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7). But though the vessels may be weak, the treasure is infinite and incomprehensible.
From Lectures on Galatians (1535) (Luther's Works 27:19)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2022
January
In One SpiritHe is ComingA Light for the NationsDepart in PeaceThe BenedictionWise Men SeeTrusting in the EmptinessWilted BlossomsConceiving TroubleWhat Comfort?SolaceWorn OutTorn With WrathLike a WarriorA Pure PrayerHeavenly WitnessA Ready GraveA Pledge for YouA Byword of the PeoplesHold OnNight into DayWhere is My Hope?
2021
January
The Arm of GodSigns and PromisesThe Calling in Your HeartOur Active GodAmazing HelpThe Purpose of BaptismHave Courage to BelieveToo Soon ForgottenThe Unexpected ChangeSustained by TrustHe Who Bears All SinsA Wonderful VictoryWhen God SpeaksOur Faithful ShepherdThe Purpose of ScriptureOne Little WordThe Supreme ConsolationA Thorn in the FleshNever Doubt RedemptionThis Is the VictoryLet Your Faith Be FirmA Pure Dwelling PlaceBuilding an Eternal HouseGlorious PromisesNoble and Necessary ChastisementOur New MotivationGod Will Preserve His ChurchGod's Will, Christ's PurposeOur Savior DefinedFalse Saintliness
February
The True Center of SalvationThe Purpose of GovernmentWhat Is a Good Work?The Chief DoctrineA Simple ExplanationJoyful NewsHarmless NoiseIn God's HandsTreasure in Weak VesselsThe Pure, Clear WordWas It Better Before?Responsibility to OthersTrue EqualityA Broad InterpretationThe Flesh Is WeakWhen Pity Is WrongNo Sin AllowedTake the High RoadGod Is TrueSetting an ExampleThe Spirit Giveth LifeThe Christian LawBeware of False ShepherdsThe Lofty and the LowlyIn the Hour at HandLearning to CallWhen the Wicked SucceedTake up Your Cross
March
On Godly BehaviorThe Sheep of ChristThe Calm after the StormOn Becoming a ChristianEternal FoodConcerning Knowledge and PowerFight PowerfullyThe Yoke of ChristThe Obedient ChristThe Fulfillment of the LawDivine RighteousnessThe Gospel Is PublicTo Live as a ChristianThe Promise of GodlinessWhy Is Christ Punished?Blind Human NatureHave Faith Like ChildrenThe Spirit of TruthWaiting for GodTo Know God