Sermon: Treasures in Jars of Clay | 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 | Jesus Priceless Treasure

Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan

There are days when our lives seem so cracked and broken. Paul puts it this way, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” We carry around Jesus’ death. Perhaps you are thinking what in the world does this even mean? Because I carry Jesus’ death around with me, you cannot kill me. Not ultimately anyway. Because I carry Jesus’ death around with me, you can knock me down but not out; you can throw me into the deepest pit, but I will never be abandoned; you can do your level worst to me, but I have the security that makes me rise above it all. I carry around with me the worst thing that ever happened to anyone anywhere, the death of God’s own Son on a tree.

So, the worst you can do to me still is not as bad as what happened to Jesus. I am baptized into Christ! Nothing will separate me from His love not even death! You are in Christ Jesus, and you will live! As the hymn writer put it: “In Thine arms I rest me; Foes who would molest me Cannot reach me here, Though the earth be shaking, Every heart be quaking, Jesus calms my fear. Lightings flash and thunders crash; Yet, though sin and hell assail me, Jesus will not fail me! Hence, all fear and sadness! For the Lord of gladness, Jesus enters in.

Those who love the father, Though the storms may gather, Still have peace within. Yes, whate’er I must bear, Thou art still my purest pleasure, Jesus priceless treasure!” LSB #743
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Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person!

Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​

Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A

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