483. 2CO 4:7. THE GOSPEL TREASURE

2Co_4:7. The Gospel Treasure

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us."’972Co_4:7.

There are two distinct similes in the text. One relates to the ministerial office. Ministers of Christ, whether apostles or evangelists, are earthen vessels. Vessels to hold and convey their contents to others. The gospel is presented to us in the text under the similitude of treasure, and this treasure is borne in the earthen vessels of the ministry, and the design of this arrangement is, that the glory may all redound to the power of God. At present we confine our thoughts to the gospel as a treasure.

I. It is so on account of its intrinsic Excellency.

In it is concentrated all that is really valuable and precious to man. It is a treasure,

1. Of divine knowledge.

The knowledge of God,’97of Jesus Christ,’97of immortality and eternal life.

2. Of divine grace.

The tender compassion of God to the soul. The free bounteous favor of the Lord. Favor better than life. It is described as the "unsearchable riches of grace,"’97"The grace of God," &c.

3. Treasure of divine comfort.

It bringeth the unspeakable treasure of a peaceful conscience to every believer It includes the consolations of God’s love and the comforts of the Holy Ghost.

4. Treasure of heavenly glory.

It makes believers citizens of heaven. Subjects of the heavenly kingdom. Exalts them to sit in heavenly places. Gives clear title to the heavenly inheritance; to the throne and crown which never fade away. It produces heaven upon earth and offers the enjoyment of life in heaven, for evermore.

II. It is a Treasure as it confers upon Man that which is most precious

1. It is a treasure of food.

It gives the bread of life’97manna from heaven. It spreads the festive board. Invites to the marriage feast. See Isa.; Mat_22:2.

2. It is a treasure of medicine for sinsick souls.

Here is the balm of health. The elixir of life. Medicine for every malady of the diseased soul. That which produces health, and vigor, and life.

3. It is a treasure of raiment.

It confers the costly robe of salvation. The garment of praise. See Psa_45:13.

4. It is a treasure of ornaments and jewels.

It gives golden graces to the soul. It decorates the spirit with all the real and unperishing ornaments of love, meekness, gentleness, and truth. It confers that which is far better than gold, or silver, or pearls. It impresses the soul with the likeness of God, and transforms into his glorious image. 2Co_3:18. Observe,

III. Some of the Characteristics of this Treasure.

1. It is spiritual.

Not material treasure. Not earthly and liable to decay. Not suited to the body or influenced by time. But a treasure suited to the mind. Spiritual blessings adapted to the spiritual necessities and capacities of the soul.

2. It is invaluable.

We cannot conceive of its cost to deity. We cannot conceive of the worth of the blessings it confers. It gives life’97eternal life. There is no substitute for it. The whole globe is worthless compared to it.

3. It is abundant.

It is boundless as God’s infinite love and power. It enriches every believer with infinite good. It has enriched countless myriads. There is a sufficiency for an infinity of worlds. It is utterly exhaustless. Then,

4. It is enduring treasure.

It is not liable to be lost, or decay as earthly treasures. The moth or thief cannot destroy or steal it. It enriches its possessor throughout life, in death, and through all the ages of ages of the worm to come.

It is a kingdom which does not pass away a crown that fadeth not; an inheritance in corruptible, &c.

5. It is a treasure freely offered to all.

The gospel is designed and adapted to all men. Christ has sent it to all the world. Every creature has a gracious right to its blessings. And nothing is required but to feel our need, and cordially receive its riches 6. It is a treasure which can only be secured in the present life.

We have the mine in this world, and we must seek, and explore, and obtain it now, or be poor forever. The gospel in adapted to man as a sinner and probationer The gates of the celestial city are only open to those who, by repentance and faith, enter in during the period of that probation.

Application

1. With what joy should the treasure be received. The tidings of it should fill with gladness, with exultation, with delight.

2. With what care it should be secured. We should guard against the enemy who robbed our first parents. Against shipwreck. We should think of Demas, &c. And with holy jealousy and vigilance preserve and secure it. Think of the inspired admonition, "Hold fast that which thou hast that no man take thy crown," Rev_3:11.

3. With what thankfulness should it be enjoyed. We ought every day to give God thanks for it. It ought to fill us with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

4. How we should urge poor sinners to come and be enriched by it. Ministers should urge it,’97all Christians should speak of it. Tell the miserable and perishing of that treasure which will enrich them for both worlds. Tell them how freely it is offered, and beseech them to seek it now. "For now is the accepted time," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS