Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels

 
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not that out of ourselves.”—2 Corinthians 4:7.
 
WHILE being molded by Jehovah here on earth, Jesus experienced firsthand the frailties of mankind. How his example of keeping integrity should encourage us! The apostle tells us: “In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.” (1 Peter 2:21) 

By submitting to such molding, Jesus triumphed over the world. He also emboldened his apostles to become conquerors. (Acts 4:13, 31; 9:27, 28; 14:3; 19:8) 

And what grand encouragement he gave in the conclusion of his final talk to them! He declared: “I have said these things to you that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you are having tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.”—John 16:33.
 
 Likewise, after contrasting the blindness brought on by “the god of this system of things” with “the illumination of the glorious good news,” the apostle Paul said of our precious ministry: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not that out of ourselves.

We are pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed, but not absolutely with no way out; we are persecuted, but not left in the lurch; we are thrown down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:4, 7-9) 

Frail “earthen vessels” though we are, God has so molded us by his spirit that we can be completely victorious over Satan’s world.—Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 15:57.