Devotionals

God's Surpassing Greatness

by Jenor Aguilar
05/21/20
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But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves (2 Cor. 4:7).

The concrete lessons I've learned from the letters of Paul to the church in Corinth and Galatia is the eternal value of our lives in Christ. Despite the afflictions that came to Paul and his companions in Asia, they never traded the gospel of Christ for material gain.

For instance, during the missionary journey of Paul, they don't have modern transportation like jets, cars, motorcycles, speed boats, and professional drivers. You have to travel by foot or by sea to preach the gospel and deal with the concerns of the local churches. Unlike today, there is a considerable gap economically. We have a lot of resources.

As an ambassador of Christ, today's complex and painful situations are just temporal that dwells in our mortal bodies. Thus, never give up and give in just for the mundane things of this world (2 Cor. 5:4). God never uproot the afflictions in our earthly bodies in order His supreme greatness will magnify in us, not our self. The church in Corinth had been struggling with divisions and quarrels because of their selfish ambitions. Their flesh became the dominant force of their desires. They valued much the temporal things rather than the eternal treasures (2 Cor. 4:18).

Undoubtedly, Paul's undying love to all his brethren in Corinth was evidence of his eternal calling. He never gives up urging the local body of believers to reaffirm their love for Christ. His perseverance produces great results. (2 Cor. 2:8; 7:8-10; 13:9-11).

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Cor. 4:8).

I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Gal. 2:20).