An Open Vessel

2 Corinthians 4:2-7 KJV

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Talk about two things that do not fit! The Apostle said that the treasure he had received of God was possessed in the earthen vessel of his

• Weakness
• Mortality and
• Finite flesh

Why would God have ever entrusted such value in vessels of such frailty? We do not have to guess at the answer. The Bible boldly proclaims it. It is so the excellency of the power of the ministry would be of God and not of man.

Paul had learned long before this to be open and upfront. He had renounced

• Hidden things
• Dishonest things
• Crafty things and
• Deceitful things

His life was out in the open for all to see.

• They saw his physical weakness
• They saw his limitations of power and persuasion
• They saw his struggle with evil
• They saw both his skill in God's Word and where he had no answer from the Lord

Paul was in no way attempting to make himself look good to say he wanted to make God look good. He was more than happy for people to see his "warts" because it made that which God had done in him that much more glorious.