For the Sake of God's People (part 6 of 6: "God's Power Manifested Through Weak Servants"-- Insights from 2 Cor. 4:7-12)-- with CONCLUSION

” So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”
2 Cor.4:12 (NIV)

While God exposes the vulnerability of his servants forcing them to be dependent upon him, he does it for the salvation of souls. In Paul's thought, his sufferings are not just God-given; they are also purpose-driven. And its purpose is for the welfare of God's people..

“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake” (Col. 1:24).

“For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen” (2 Tim. 2:10).

The difficult circumstances of a servant’s life are not coincidental; they are not accidents. They are part of the divine plan to accomplish things for those whom they minister to. As God comforts his weak servants, he equips them to comfort others also.

2 Cor. 1:3-4 says: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

Conclusion

Why do you think God should use you?

Is it because you have graduated from a prestigious school?

Is it because you excelled academically?

Is it because you are so talented?

You may not think of your self as a super apostle,

but perhaps you think you are a super musician

or a super exhorter

or a super Cell leader

super intercessor

a super missionary

or a super administrator

or a super teacher

or a super giver

or a super pastor

Do you think God ought to use you because you are a vessel made of gold?

No, his servants are nothing but clay pots—

cheap and fragile.

May this teaching break our proud hearts

and remind us that the real treasure is God’s saving message and we are mere jars of clay.