Sunday Sermon – June 2, 2024 – “Common Clay Pots” – 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Common Clay Pots
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Dr. Kelly B. Burton

The Corinthian Christians practiced their faith like everything else in their life; they were over the top. We are told in the second Corinthian letter that his second visit was “painful” (2 Co. 2:1). It was an unplanned visit just to check up on how things were going, and the visit did not go well. One of the super spiritual members insulted Paul in front of the church. He challenged Paul’s authority. He called Paul a bad preacher because he wasn’t charismatic like other preachers. Ministry is not easy. Conflict is inevitable. In his passion to resolve the conflict at Corinth, Paul admitted his weaknesses as a pastor and boasted about God’s power.

Sermon in a Sentence: Inside of every common Christian is an uncommon power of God; don’t lose heart.

4:7-12 A Pitiful Picture of Weakness
Paul’s own pitiful weaknesses compared to the great power of God.

4:13-15 Death Does Not Have the Final Word
Together, we are to be each other’s source of joy.

4:16-18 God’s Secret Inside Work
The Christian’s inner life is constantly being transformed while our common clay pot is decaying and dying.